ADC: AB 715 Lawsuit Continues Despite State’s Dismissal Bid

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2026
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ADC: AB 715 Lawsuit Continues Despite State’s Dismissal Bid

Washington, D.C. — Last Friday, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed Plaintiffs’ Opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Complaint in Prichett, et al. v. Newsom, et al., urging the Court to deny dismissal and permit Plaintiffs’ claims to proceed.

In the filing, Plaintiffs explain that the Court’s earlier denial of preliminary injunctive relief does not require dismissal of the case. The opposition states that the standard for a preliminary injunction is “much higher than that for surviving dismissal,” and that Plaintiffs should be permitted to develop the record through discovery even where preliminary relief was denied.

ADC’s filing argues that the case should proceed because AB 715 is now in effect and imposes legally binding obligations on California schools. Plaintiffs maintain that they should be allowed to develop the record through discovery and continue pursuing their constitutional claims.

“This case is far from over,” said Jenin Younes, ADC Interim President and National Legal Director. “ADC has filed an opposition asking the Court to deny Defendants’ motion to dismiss and allow Plaintiffs’ claims to proceed. Plaintiffs have alleged serious constitutional violations involving due process, free speech, and equal protection, and they deserve the opportunity to prove those claims in court.”

Plaintiffs also argue that AB 715 fails to define “antisemitism,” leaves teachers and students without adequate guidance, and chills discussion of Palestine, anti-Zionism, Palestinian history, settler colonialism, and criticism of Israeli government policy.

“Defendants are asking the Court to dismiss this case before Plaintiffs have had the opportunity to fully develop the factual record,” said Malak Afaneh, Staff Attorney at ADC. “The complaint plausibly alleges that AB 715 pressures educators to self-censor constitutionally protected discussions about Palestine, Israel, Zionism, and Palestinian rights, while restricting students’ access to protected viewpoints. Those allegations warrant judicial review on the merits.”

ADC’s filing asks the Court to deny Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss and permit Plaintiffs to pursue their claims.

About ADC

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the United States, founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk.  ADC’s mission is to defend and promote the human rights, civil rights, and liberties of at least 3.7 million Arab Americans residing in the United States. Through its work, ADC fights discrimination, enhances public understanding of Arab history and culture, and partners with marginalized communities globally to advance social justice.