Stop AB 715

AB 715 is an extremely dangerous bill designed to censor any criticism of Israel and any education about Palestinian histories, struggles against colonization, and erasure. Despite the bill being shelved in July because of overwhelming public opposition, its authors are still trying to revive it with total disregard for public input, democratic process, and the legislature's own procedures. Take action by sending an email to your California State Senator and Assemblymember in opposition to AB715 now.

Step 1: Enter Info

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Step 2: Send Email

Personalized emails are more powerful; please add some information about your connection to this issue.

From

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I am writing to you today to express my strong opposition to AB 715 (Zbur & Addis). This is a dangerous bill driven by the intent to weaponize antisemitism to silence and erase Palestinian and Arab histories and perspectives. Further, I am appalled by the disregard and disrespect for legislative procedure and the democratic process displayed by the bill's proponents. With the legislative session nearing its end, moving the bill forward at this point would preclude any meaningful public consultation and community input.

In this moment, as the situation in Gaza enters a stage 5 famine, respected human rights organizations and genocide scholars have all acknowledged that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. As an elected member of the state legislature, you need to confront the real motivations and drivers behind the intent of AB 715 at a time when 92% of Democrats disapprove of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and more Americans believe Israel is committing genocide (47%) than do not (33%).

Feelings are not facts and sensitivity around criticism of Israel and the genocide Israel is committing should not be addressed as a form of hate or antisemitism, and our public educational system should not entertain such complaints or the hysteria surrounding them. While no generalizations or stereotypes should be made about any religious, ethnic or identity group, teaching facts and the truth of what the state of Israel is doing and has historically done is not hate or discrimination and should not be treated as such

While the aim of addressing discrimination and hate in schools and making all students feel safer is an admirable one, that is not the real purpose of AB 715. Its purpose has always been to protect Israel from criticism and chill related speech to maintain the status quo of pro-Israel dominance in public education even as Israel commits genocide in Gaza.

This is dishonest. It's a violation of the public trust to even entertain this type of censorship in California’s public school system. As of August 12, organizations including the ACLU, California Teachers Association, and California Faculty Association, in coalition with 80 other organizations, currently oppose this bill.

I urge you to stand against censorship and attacks on freedom of speech and critical thinking masquerading as fighting discrimination in California public education. Vote NO on AB 715.

Sincerely,
[Sender]
[Address]

Step 3: Call

Call the members of the Senate Education Committee and tell them not to rush through a dangerous bill with no time for public consultation.

Mike McGuire (Senate Pro Tempore): (916) 651-4002

Sasha Renée Pérez: (916) 651-4025

Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh: (916) 651-4019

Christopher Cabaldon: (916) 651-4003

Steven Choi: (916) 651-4037

Dave Cortese: (916) 651-4015

Lena Gonzalez: (916) 651-4033

Eloise Gomez Reyes: (916) 651-4029

Step 4: Social Media

Reach out to your representative on social media to turn up the pressure.

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