California anti-discrimination law for schools raises concerns

(The Center Square) - Supporters of a new California civil rights law for public schools say it will strengthen protections for students facing discrimination, while teachers’ unions and civil liberties organizations warn it could restrict classroom discussions. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 715 last month into law, which prohibits school districts from using textbooks, curricula or materials that promote bias or unlawful discrimination. The law establishes a new California Office of Civil Rights within the Government Operations Agency to help schools identify and address discriminatory practices. “California is taking action to confront hate in all its forms,” said Newsom. “At a time when antisemitism and bigotry are rising nationwide and globally, these laws make clear: our schools must be places of learning, not hate.” Assemblymember Dawn Addis, D-Morro Bay, who co-authored the bill, believes that it will protect students from discrimination that the federal government has