SACRAMENTO, California — A new California civil rights law for public schools is drawing sharp debate, with supporters arguing it will provide stronger protections for students facing discrimination, while teachers’ unions and civil liberties groups warn it could restrict classroom discussions. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 715, which bars schools from using textbooks, curricula, or materials that promote bias or unlawful discrimination.
The law also creates a new California Office of Civil Rights within the Government Operations Agency, intended to help districts identify and address discriminatory practices. Newsom said the measure reinforces the state’s commitment to combating hate, noting a rise in antisemitism and bigotry nationwide.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis said the legislation fills gaps left by federal inaction, arguing that California must safeguard students while the federal Department of Education faces significant structural changes. Co-author Rick Chavez Zbur echoed those concerns, pointing to ongoing federal investigations into Title IX and Title VI violations and stressing that students deserve to feel safe regardless of belief or identity.
Under AB 715, schools must investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination, and instructional content deemed to promote bias is considered a violation even if no student is directly harmed. Opponents, including the California Faculty Association, warn the law could have a chilling effect on academic freedom, particularly when discussing topics such as Palestine or the war in Gaza.
The ACLU also opposes the law, arguing that its broad language threatens critical learning and risks censoring discussions tied to history, identity, and human rights.
Sources
• The Center Square – MBFC Rating
• CalMatters – MBFC Rating
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