Takeaways From ADC’s Challenge To AB 715: New Know Your Rights Guide for Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2026
[email protected]

Washington, D.C. | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is advising students and educators to adopt a watchful stance regarding California’s AB 715, passed by the state legislature in late 2025, so as to ensure that enforcement does not unlawfully affect free speech or inquiry in the classroom.

📄 [Download our latest KYR guide for students here]

ADC mobilized thousands of supporters against the legislation, warning that it could limit students’ right to learn and infringe on teachers’ ability to teach about Palestine and Israel and foster free and open discussions on the topic.

After the bill’s passage, in December 2025, ADC filed an emergency motion for an injunction against AB 715. The motion was denied on the grounds that the harm remains speculative for now and because the California Department of Education (CDE) assured the court that “nothing in AB 715 prohibits” support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel. Several pro-Israel organizations that filed amicus briefs, however, insist that they do not agree with CDE’s interpretation of AB 715.

AB 715 took effect on January 1, 2026. It now remains to be seen how it will affect California’s massive public school system, although, as our plaintiffs have attested, it has already had a chilling effect. Public education in the state is mediated by independent school districts, including elected school boards, and by the vocalized concerns of students, teachers, local organizations, and the PTA. It is unlikely that schools will address the same issue in the same manner.

As of now, according to the government and the judge in our case, AB 715 should have no effect on students’ ability to learn about Palestine, including:

asking questions
accessing library materials on Palestine
hosting Palestine-related events on school premises

Moreover, students should still be free to express their beliefs through clothing, pins, and other personal items. Such activities are permissible as long as they do not discriminate against a protected class based on race, religion, or national origin.

ADC encourages students, teachers, and parents to exercise caution, as AB 715 could be abused by partisan actors to enforce a censorious approach to education and expression regarding Palestine.

If you believe that speech rights are being violated due to AB 715 — if you notice a change in curriculum, removal of library books, limits on student clubs, or infringements of students’ expressions — please report the incident to ADC immediately.

ADC Legal Hotline: (844) ADC-9955

ADC Legal Email: [email protected]