A bill in California could redefine how ethnic studies are taught

Democratic Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur introduced a bill that puts limitations on how ethnic studies are taught in California.

The proposed bill has caused controversy, as it outlines what can and cannot be taught, such as the Israel-Palestinian conflict, CBS News reported. The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California sponsored the bill. Executive Director David Bocarsly said the goal is to counter antisemitism and avoid discussions of the war in ethnic studies curriculum.

“The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a nuanced and fraught conversation that frankly deviates from the core goal of ethnic studies,” Bocarsly said, according to CBS.

An advisory group made up of experts across ethnic studies, including Asian American and Pacific Islander studies, would take the lead on creating the standards by 2028, per KCRA. The group also has individuals who have been targeted in hate crimes in California, including the Jewish community.

Critics of the proposed bill say it could create more divisions between the state’s communities. Others say the bill could restrict free speech, overlook others’ perspectives and even backfire by heighten antisemitism.

The proposal has yet to be heard by the Assembly Education Committee.

The bill’s controversy comes amid more states increasingly implementing ethnic studies, such as Alaska, Arizona and Washington, potentially setting the stage on overseeing ethnic studies for other states as well.