Letters: AB 715 would stifle speech in classrooms

"Daniel Klein claims AB 715 will make California public schools safer for Jewish students. But this harmful bill, being considered by the state Senate, will instead censor discussion of Palestine in our state's schools. Every student deserves full and equal protection from racism and bullying, but AB 715 requires a statewide Antisemitism Coordinator to enforce it, with no coordinator to protect Islamic, Palestinian, Black, Latino, Native American, Asian-Pacific Islander, female or LGBTQ students. Klein claims that California's Jewish community overwhelmingly supports AB 715."

"Perhaps I do have one qualification for that prestigious award. I have lived a more ethical life than Donald Trump, who states repeatedly that he is entitled to the prize. I am not at the head of a government for which cruelty to vulnerable people is the point. I know that there are many heroes around the globe bravely confronting danger and oppression that are beyond my experience. I hope to learn about them in early October when the Nobel Prizes are awarded."

AB 715 is presented as a measure to protect Jewish students but is criticized for censoring discussion of Palestine and for creating a statewide Antisemitism Coordinator without similar coordinators for Islamic, Palestinian, Black, Latino, Native American, Asian-Pacific Islander, female, or LGBTQ students. Jewish Voice for Peace and other Jewish organizations, including the California Teachers' Association, oppose AB 715 and urge state senators to vote no. A separate opinion argues the writer is more ethically qualified than Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, condemns cruelty by government toward vulnerable people, and expresses admiration for global heroes confronting danger and oppression.

Read at www.mercurynews.com