ADC Statement on Dismissal of Challenge to California’s AB 715

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2026
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Washington, D.C. | A federal judge has dismissed with prejudice a lawsuit brought by California public school teachers, students, and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) challenging Assembly Bill 715, allowing the law to remain in effect.

The lawsuit argued 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. Plaintiffs also challenged the law’s creation of a statewide antisemitism prevention coordinator and its unequal treatment of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and perspectives.

Malak Afaneh, Staff Attorney at ADC, issued the following statement:

“We respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision. AB 715 has already caused educators to alter the way they teach out of fear that classroom discussions or activities could trigger complaints or investigations. When teachers feel compelled to abandon cultural identity projects or avoid discussions about Palestine, it is students who are denied the opportunity to engage with diverse ideas and perspectives. We are reviewing the Court’s decision and considering our options.”

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.