California antisemitism law dismissed by federal judge in landmark ruling

• A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging California's new antisemitism prevention law, AB 715.
• The plaintiffs claimed the law was unconstitutionally vague and violated free speech rights for teachers and students.
• Judge Wise ruled that the law can be enforced as written, but noted that student plaintiffs must point to specific information they would have received in class but are now denied due to AB 715.
• The dismissal of the lawsuit is a significant victory for advocates of AB 715, which aims to curb antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and bullying in public schools.

Student plaintiffs must point to instruction or lessons they otherwise would have received in order to allege a deprivation of the First Amendment right to receive information.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by teachers and students against California's new antisemitism prevention law, AB 715. The plaintiffs claimed the law was unconstitutionally vague and violated free speech rights for teachers and students. However, U.S. District Judge Noel Wise ruled that the law can be enforced as written.

The law, which took effect on January 1, 2026, aims to curb the 'widespread surge in antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and bullying' of Jewish and Israeli-American students. It also establishes a statewide antisemitism prevention coordinator for public schools. The governor-appointed post has yet to be filled.

The lawsuit claimed that AB 715 was unconstitutionally vague and violated free speech rights for teachers and students. However, Judge Wise ruled that the plaintiffs failed to show how the law was discriminatory or curbed free speech. The court's decision highlights the complex balance between protecting students from hate speech and ensuring that educators can teach about sensitive topics without fear of censorship.

The judge noted that student plaintiffs must point to specific information they would have received in class but are now denied due to AB 715. In this case, the plaintiffs failed to make such a claim, as they did not allege that they were going to receive information related to Israel and Palestine and now will not.

The dismissal of the lawsuit is a significant victory for advocates of AB 715. The law's proponents argue that it is a critical tool in addressing antisemitism in schools, which has been on the rise in recent years. By establishing an antisemitism prevention coordinator and amending California's education code, the state aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Jewish and Israeli-American students.

While some may view the law as overly broad or restrictive of free speech rights, the court's decision affirms that AB 715 is constitutionally sound. As such, lawyers advising California public schools should review the ruling and ensure compliance with the antisemitism prevention law, which remains in effect despite this dismissal.

Lawyers advising California public schools should review the ruling and ensure compliance with the antisemitism prevention law, which remains in effect despite this dismissal.

Source: Original reporting via Courthouse News