SCR 35: Anti-Semitism.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2015-07-22
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
This measure would urge each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, and would condemn any act of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in a Sacramento neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in a Sacramento neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in a Sacramento neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramentos River Park a Sacramento neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramentos River Park neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution; Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed on to onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramentos River Park neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks, attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities; and
WHEREAS, There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity; and
WHEREAS, In February of 2015, the California Legislatures Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed on to an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramentos River Park neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State; and
WHEREAS, Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks, and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events; and
WHEREAS, These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity; and
WHEREAS, In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent; and
WHEREAS, The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable; and
WHEREAS, The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions; and
WHEREAS, The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jun 29, 2015 | From committee: Be adopted as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 23). |
| Jul 22, 2015 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 1:30 p.m. |
| Jul 22, 2015 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 129, Statutes of 2015. |
| Jul 16, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Jul 16, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 1983.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Jul 14, 2015 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Jul 13, 2015 | Read. Amended. Adopted. (Page 2359.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul 13, 2015 | Read. Amended. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul 9, 2015 | Read third time and amended. |
| Jul 9, 2015 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 30, 2015 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 30, 2015 | Amended. |
| Mar 26, 2015 | Introduced. Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| May 28, 2015 | Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| May 14, 2015 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 35. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 14, 2015 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 35. Noes 0. Page 996.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| May 14, 2015 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| May 7, 2015 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| May 7, 2015 | Ordered to third reading. |
| May 6, 2015 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 5, 2015 | From committee: Be adopted as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (April 29). |
| May 5, 2015 | From committee: Be adopted as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 0. Page 815.) (April 29). |
| Apr 17, 2015 | Set for hearing April 29. |
| Apr 7, 2015 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2015 | Unfinished Business SCR35 Stone Concurrence | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 23, 2015 | Be adopted as amended. | Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
|
| May 14, 2015 | Senate 3rd Reading SCR35 Stone | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 29, 2015 | Be adopted as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity | ** Support | May 14, 2015 |
| AMCHA Initiative | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| American Jewish Federation in Los Angeles | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Asian Law Caucus | ** Against | May 14, 2015 |
| Bruins for Israel | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| California Conference Board Of The Amalgamated Transit Union | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| California Conference Of Machinists | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| California Faculty Association | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| California Teamsters Public Affairs Council | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Center for Constitutional Rights | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Endowment for Middle East Truth | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Graduate Student Union | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| Hasbara Fellowships | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| HIGHER ED. | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| International Committee of the National Lawyers Guild | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| International Longshore and Warehouse Union | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Israel Christian Nexus | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Israeli-American Council | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Jewish Voice for Peace | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| National Lawyers Guild | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Palestine Legal | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Peace and Freedom Party of California | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| Physicians for Social Responsibility | ** Against | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Proclaiming Justice to the Nations | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Professional & Technical Engineers, IFPTE Local 21, AFL-CIO | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Stand with Us | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Students and Parents Against Campus Anti-Semitism | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| The Israel Group | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| The Lawfare Project | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Training and Education About the Middle East | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| University of California | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| University of California Berkeley | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| University of California Davis | * Against | Apr 29, 2015 |
| Utility Workers Union of America | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
| Zionist Organization of America | ** Support | Jul 9, 2015 |
SCR 35
Page 6
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SCR 35
Amended: 7/13/15
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 4/29/15
AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Leyva, Mendoza, Pan
NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Monning, Vidak
SENATE FLOOR: 35-0, 5/14/15
AYES: Allen, Anderson, Bates, Beall, Block, Cannella, De León, Fuller, Gaines, Galgiani, Hall, Hancock, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Jackson, Lara, Leno, Leyva, Liu, McGuire, Mendoza, Mitchell, Monning, Morrell, Nguyen, Pan, Pavley, Roth, Runner, Stone, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wolk
NO VOTE RECORDED: Berryhill, Huff, Moorlach, Nielsen
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: Read and adopted, 7/13/15
DIGEST: This resolution urges each University of California (UC) campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and declares the Legislature’s condemnation of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Assembly Amendments clarify that protected speech includes that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country.
Existing law:
Prohibits the UC Regents, California State University (CSU) Trustees, and community college district governing boards from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanction solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside a campus of those institutions, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution. Existing law authorizes a student to commence a civil action against an institution that has made or enforced such a rule. (EC § 66301)
Clarifies that the aforementioned law does not prohibit the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation, unless constitutionally protected; nor does it prohibit an institution from adopting rules and regulations designed to prevent hate violence from being directed at students in a manner that denies full participation in the educational process, if the rules and regulations conform to constitutional rights. (EC § 66301)
Prohibits an employee from being dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws, or for refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws. (EC § 66301)
Requests the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and local community college governing boards, to adopt and publish policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. (EC § 66302)
This resolution:
Urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia,
Resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Clarifies that nothing in the resolution is intended to diminish the rights of students or anyone else to freely discuss or engage in any legal speech or other activity protected by the United State Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country.
Makes the following findings:
That the United States Department of State has defined anti-Semitism as specified.
That there is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expression of anti-Semitism throughout the world and that one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity.
That the Jewish Caucus of the Legislature held a related press conference in February 2015 and an estimated 500 people gathered at the Capitol to protest anti-Semitic acts across the nation.
That swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased on college campuses across the country and around the world.
That record anti-Semitic acts around the world in 2014 included murders, attacks, death threats, arson, graffiti, and other acts.
That these acts extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, Nazi salutes, and lead Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity.
That the governments of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, where the majority of European anti-Semitic acts have occurred, have condemned anti-Semitism and declared attacks on their Jewish communities intolerable.
That the State of California actively promotes tolerance of all faiths and religions and the United States government has played an active role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide.
That the Legislature joins in the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism and attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Comments
Need for the bill. According to the author, this resolution is prompted by the display of a Nazi swastika on top of an American flag at a Sacramento home and the spraying of swastikas on a Jewish fraternity building near the University of California Davis campus. According to the author, this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism that he opines has been seen across the state and around the world.
Clarifying definitions. This resolution references a definition of anti-Semitism issued by the United States Department of State. Staff notes that this definition has come under criticism as expanding beyond a definition of anti-Semitism as hatred, violence, intimidation or discrimination targeting Jews because of their ethnic and religious identity to encompassing political speech and activities critical of policies related to the state of Israel.
Islamophobia. This bill calls for the adoption of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) Web site, Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims.
Related UC Activity. The UC reports several responses and related policies:
In March 2015, the UC President and UC Board of Regents Chairman issued a statement speaking out against bigotry and hate in light of recent instances of anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The statement explained that anti-Semitic incidents, as well as bigotry directed against any member of the UC community because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated and deserve condemnation.
Each of the UC campuses has their own policy regarding the freedom of expression. In addition to these individual policies, the Board of Regents has also established a policy on employee and student protections related to student press and student free speech rights. These policies are based on the belief that free expression, robust discourse, and the vigorous debate over ideas and principles are essential to the mission of the University.
In 2010, UC established a systemwide Campus Climate Incidents Reporting System, a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents of bias, hate, intolerance, and intimidation. The new hotline was integrated with existing hotlines at the nine undergraduate campuses, and is staffed by an outside vendor to ensure confidentiality.
In 2011, based on deliberations with campus administrations, students, and the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion, the University amended its policies on student conduct which enhanced the capacity of campus administrators to respond to acts of discrimination, particularly where the victim was targeted because of their identity.
In 2011, several members of the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion visited some UC campuses and met with members of the Jewish community to engage in fact-finding and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for Jewish students. Similarly, Council members also met with members of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities, to gain insight into the educational and co-curricular experiences of Muslim and Arab students and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for them. Several recommendations that came out of these meetings have been implemented, including collecting data in a more inclusive way, addressing dietary and living accommodation needs of Muslim and Jewish students, and providing student meditation or reflection space on campuses.
Beginning fall of 2012, the University of California surveyed its faculty and other academic appointees, students, staff, trainees, and post-doctoral scholars about their experiences and perceptions of campus or workplace climate. In response to the findings of the UC Campus Climate Study, each UC campus has convened a group of representatives to develop and execute action plans to address key issues raised in the survey.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 7/14/15)
None received
Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105
7/15/15 17:10:41
SCR 35
Page 3
SENATE THIRD READING
SCR 35
(Stone)
As Amended July 9, 2015
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 35-0
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Higher Education |
12-0 |
Medina, Baker, Bloom, Chávez, Harper, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Levine, Linder, Low, Santiago, Williams |
|
SUMMARY: Urges the University of California (UC) to condemn anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia and expresses the Legislature's condemnation of anti-Semitic acts at all publically funded schools in California. Specifically, this resolution:
Finds all of the following:
The United States (U.S.) Department of State defines anti-Semitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities";
There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world;
From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity;
In February of 2015, the California Legislature's Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in a Sacramento neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State;
Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world;
In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the U.S. and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events;
These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity;
In April of 2014, the U.S. Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent;
The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable;
The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions;
The U.S. government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and,
The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Resolves all of the following:
The Legislature urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia;
The Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the U.S. Constitution; and,
Nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the U.S. Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
COMMENTS: Purpose of this resolution. According to the author, "this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of Anti-Semitism that has been seen across the State, not to mention, around the world. Within the last couple months, we have seen a home in Sacramento proudly displaying a Nazi swastika on top of an American Flag. In our state, we have seen displays of swastika and acts of Anti-Semitism on our campuses. Across the world, there has been an increase in threats against Jewish people. Just last year, in April, the U.S. Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report, recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent." According to the author, "by stating that the Legislature take a strong stand against the recent acts of Anti-Semitism, and urging UC campuses to do the same, this resolution sends a strong message that California will not tolerate this behavior, while fully protecting the rights of free-speech."
Anti-Semitism as it relates to the State of Israel. This resolution references the U.S. Department of State definition of anti-Semitism. According to the U.S. State Department's Web site that defines anti-Semitism, examples of ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself with regard to the state of Israel include demonizing Israel ("drawing comparisons between Israeli policy to that of the Nazis"), establishing a double-standard for Israel ("multilateral organizations focusing on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations"), and delegitimizing Israel ("denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist"). The U.S. State Department's website also states that "criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic."
Arguments in support. The AMCHA Initiative, along with other supporters of this resolution, argues "on many occasions anti-Semitic incidents and behavior at UC have been correlated with anti-Israel events and campaigns, particularly those associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement." AMCHA notes that identifying anti-Semitic activity by invoking the U.S. State Department's definition "recognizes the varieties of anti-Semitic expression that Jewish students are actually experiencing on their campuses."
Arguments in opposition. Several organizations, including the California Faculty Association have expressed concern regarding the definition contained in this resolution. Jewish Voice for Peace argues "the resolution's reference to the State Department definition of anti-Semitism will be used by proponents to stigmatize advocacy for Palestinian rights, and particularly campus campaigns to divest from corporations that profit from Israel's occupation and violations of international law." Opponents of this resolution have requested amendments to use a standard dictionary definition of anti-Semitism rather than reference the State Department definition.
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0001180
SCR 35
Page 3
SENATE THIRD READING
SCR 35
(Stone)
As Amended June 30, 2015
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 35-0
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Higher Education |
12-0 |
Medina, Baker, Bloom, Chávez, Harper, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Levine, Linder, Low, Santiago, Williams |
|
SUMMARY: Urges the University of California (UC) to condemn anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia and expresses the Legislature's condemnation of anti-Semitic acts at all publically funded schools in California. Specifically, this bill:
Finds all of the following:
The United States (U.S.) Department of State defines anti-Semitism as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities;"
There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world;
From sea to shining sea, one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity;
In February of 2015, the California Legislature's Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramento's River Park neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State;
Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world;
In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the U.S. and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events;
These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity;
In April of 2014, the U.S. Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent;
The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable;
The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions;
The U.S. government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and,
The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Resolves all of the following:
The Legislature urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia;
The Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the U.S. Constitution; and,
Nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the U.S. Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
COMMENTS: Purpose of this resolution. According to the author, "this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of Anti-Semitism that has been seen across the State, not to mention, around the world. Within the last couple months, we have seen a home in Sacramento proudly displaying a Nazi swastika on top of an American Flag. In our state, we have seen displays of swastika and acts of Anti-Semitism on our campuses. Across the world, there has been an increase in threats against Jewish people. Just last year, in April, the U.S. Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report, recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent." According to the author, "by stating that the Legislature take a strong stand against the recent acts of Anti-Semitism, and urging UC campuses to do the same, this resolution sends a strong message that California will not tolerate this behavior, while fully protecting the rights of free-speech."
Anti-Semitism as it relates to the State of Israel. This resolution references the U.S. Department of State definition of anti-Semitism. According to the U.S. State Department's Web site that defines anti-Semitism, examples of ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself with regard to the State of Israel include demonizing Israel ("drawing comparisons between Israeli policy to that of the Nazis"), establishing a double-standard for Israel ("multilateral organizations focusing on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations"), and delegitimizing Israel ("denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist"). The U.S. State Department's Web site also states that "criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic."
Arguments in support. The AMCHA Initiative, along with other supporters of this resolution, argues "on many occasions anti-Semitic incidents and behavior at UC have been correlated with anti-Israel events and campaigns, particularly those associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement." AMCHA notes that identifying anti-Semitic activity by invoking the U.S. Department of State's definition "recognizes the varieties of anti-Semitic expression that Jewish students are actually experiencing on their campuses."
Arguments in opposition. Several organizations, including the California Faculty Association have expressed concern regarding the definition contained in this resolution. Jewish Voice for Peace argues "the resolution's reference to the [U.S.] State Department definition of anti-Semitism will be used by proponents to stigmatize advocacy for Palestinian rights, and particularly campus campaigns to divest from corporations that profit from Israel's occupation and violations of international law." Opponents of this resolution have requested amendments to use a standard dictionary definition of anti-Semitism rather than reference the U.S. Department of State's definition.
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0001106
SCR 35
Page 4
Date of Hearing: June 23, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Jose Medina, Chair
SCR 35
(Stone) – As Amended May 6, 2015
SENATE VOTE: 35-0
SUBJECT: Anti-Semitism
SUMMARY: Urges the University of California (UC) to condemn anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia and expresses the Legislature's condemnation of anti-Semitic acts at all publically funded schools in California. Specifically, this bill:
Finds all of the following:
The United States Department of State defines anti-Semitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”;
There is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world;
From sea to shining sea one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity;
In February of 2015, the California Legislature’s Jewish Caucus held a press conference addressing anti-Semitic acts and in the same week an estimated 500 people gathered on the steps of the State Capitol to protest the recent rise in anti-Semitic acts occurring across the nation, including the display of the Nazi swastika symbol superimposed onto an American flag that was hung in the front of a private home in Sacramento’s River Park neighborhood, which tarnished the reputation of the Golden State;
Swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased in recent months on college campuses across the country and around the world;
In 2014, the kinds of recorded anti-Semitic acts committed in the United States and around the world included murders; violent attacks and death threats against Jews; arson, graffiti, and property desecration; and murders at Jewish cemeteries, places of worship, schools, and community events;
These types of anti-Semitic acts also extended to soccer stadiums, the Internet, editorial cartoons, and the use of Nazi salutes, leading many Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity;
In April of 2014, the United States Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent;
The governments of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the four countries where the majority of anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in Europe, have strongly condemned anti-Semitism as unacceptable in European society and have all made clear statements that such attacks on their Jewish communities are intolerable;
The State of California actively promotes tolerance to all faiths and religions;
The United States government has played an essential role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide and has consistently supported efforts to address the rise in anti-Semitism through its bilateral relationships and participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the Organization of American States; and,
The Legislature joins with people everywhere in unequivocally condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and rejecting attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Resolves all of the following:
The Legislature urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia;
The Legislature condemns any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California in order to promote tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs in accordance with the rights afforded to each person by the Founding Fathers of this nation and the authors of the United States Constitution; and,
Nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution.
FISCAL EFFECT: None.
COMMENTS: Purpose of this resolution. According to the author, "this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of Anti-Semitism that has been seen across the State, not to mention, around the world. Within the last couple months, we have seen a home in Sacramento proudly displaying a Nazi swastika on top of an American Flag. In our state, we have seen displays of swastika and acts of Anti-Semitism on our campuses. Across the world, there has been an increase in threats against Jewish people. Just last year, in April, the U.S. Department of State released the International Religious Freedom Report, recognizing that anti-Semitism continues to be internationally prevalent." According to the author, "by stating that the Legislature take a strong stand against the recent acts of Anti-Semitism, and urging UC campuses to do the same, this resolution sends a strong message that California will not tolerate this behavior, while fully protecting the rights of free-speech."
Anti-Semitism as it relates to the State of Israel. This resolution references the U.S. Department of State definition of anti-Semitism. According to the U.S. State Department's website that defines anti-Semitism, examples of ways in which anti-Semitism manifests itself with regard to the state of Israel include demonizing Israel ("drawing comparisons between Israeli policy to that of the Nazis"), establishing a double-standard for Israel ("multilateral organizations focusing on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations"), and delegitimizing Israel ("denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist"). The U.S. State Department's website also states that "criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as anti-Semitic."
The AMCHA Initiative, along with other supporters of this resolution, argues "on many occasions anti-Semitic incidents and behavior at UC have been correlated with anti-Israel events and campaigns, particularly those associated with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement." AMCHA notes that identifying anti-Semitic activity by invoking the U.S. State Department's definition "recognizes the varieties of anti-Semitic expression that Jewish students are actually experiencing on their campuses."
Several organizations, including the California Faculty Association have expressed concern regarding the definition contained in this resolution. Jewish Voice for Peace argues "the resolution's reference to the State Department definition of anti-Semitism will be used by proponents to stigmatize advocacy for Palestinian rights, and particularly campus campaigns to divest from corporations that profit from Israel's occupation and violations of international law."
Requested amendments. As previously outlined, several organizations have expressed concern with two sections of this resolution and the potential implications on campus political speech and advocacy. These organizations have requested the following amendments:
Page 1, Lines 1-6: Reference a standard dictionary definition of anti-Semitism:
WHEREAS, The United States Department of State
defines Anti-Semitism is
defined as hostility toward or discrimination
against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group; "a
certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward
Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are
directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their
property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious
facilities”; and
Page 3, Lines 18-21: Clarify legal rights regarding political speech and activities:
Resolved, That nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of anyone, including students, to freely engage in any speech or other activity protected by the United States Constitution, including that which is critical or supportive of the policies of any country; and be it further
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
AMCHA Initiative
Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity
American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
American Jewish Federation in Los Angeles
Bruins for Israel
California Conference Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union
California Conference of Machinists
California Teamsters Public Affairs Council
Endowment for Middle East Truth
Engineers & Scientists of CA, IFPTE Local 20, AFL-CIO
Hasbara Fellowships
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Israeli-American Council
Israel Christian Nexus
Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law
The Lawfare Project
Proclaiming Justice to the Nations
Professional & Technical Engineers, IFPTE Local 21, AFL-CIO
Stand with Us
Students and Parents Against Campus Anti-Semitism
The Israel Group
Training and Education About the Middle East
UNITE-HERE, AFL-CIO
Utility Workers Union of America
Zionist Organization of America
Opposition
California Faculty Association
Center for Constitutional Rights
Jewish Voice for Peace
National Lawyers Guild
Palestine Legal
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Analysis Prepared by: Laura Metune / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960
SCR 35
Page 5
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 35
Amended: 5/6/15
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 4/29/15
AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Leyva, Mendoza, Pan
NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Monning, Vidak
DIGEST: This bill urges each University of California (UC) campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and declares the Legislature’s condemnation of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Existing law:
Prohibits the UC Regents, California State University (CSU) Trustees, and Community College District governing boards from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanction solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside a campus of those institutions, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution. Existing law authorizes a student to commence a civil action against an institution that has made or enforced such a rule. (EC § 66301)
Clarifies that the aforementioned law does not prohibit the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation, unless constitutionally protected; nor does it prohibit an institution from adopting rules and regulations designed to prevent hate violence from being directed at students in a manner that denies full participation in the educational process, if the rules and regulations conform to constitutional rights. (EC § 66301)
Prohibits an employee from being dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws, or for refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws. (EC § 66301)
Requests the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and local community college governing boards, to adopt and publish policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. (EC § 66302)
This bill:
Urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia.
Resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Clarifies that nothing in the resolution is intended to diminish the rights of students or anyone else to freely discuss or engage in any legal speech or other activity protected by the United State Constitution.
Makes the following findings:
That the United States Department of State has defined anti-Semitism as specified.
That there is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expression of anti-Semitism throughout the world and that one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity.
That the Jewish Caucus of the Legislature held a related press conference in February 2015 and an estimated 500 people gathered at the Capitol to protest anti-Semitic acts across the nation.
That swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased on college campuses across the country and around the world.
That record anti-Semitic acts around the world in 2014 included murders, attacks, death threats, arson, graffiti, and other acts.
That these acts extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, Nazi salutes, and lead Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity.
That the governments of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, where the majority of European anti-Semitic acts have occurred, have condemned anti-Semitism and declared attacks on their Jewish communities intolerable.
That the State of California actively promotes tolerance of all faiths and religions and the United States government has played an active role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide.
That the Legislature joins in the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism and attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Comments
Need for the bill. According to the author, this resolution is prompted by the display of a Nazi swastika on top of an American flag at a Sacramento home and the spraying of swastikas on a Jewish fraternity building near the UC Davis campus. According to the author, this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism that he opines has been seen across the state and around the world.
Clarifying definitions. This resolution references a definition of anti-Semitism issued by the United States Department of State. Senate Education Committee staff notes that this definition has come under criticism as expanding beyond a definition of anti-Semitism as hatred, violence, intimidation or discrimination targeting Jews because of their ethnic and religious identity to encompassing political speech and activities critical of policies related to the state of Israel.
Islamophobia. This bill calls for the adoption of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) website, Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims.
Related UC Activity. The UC reports several responses and related policies:
In March 2015, the UC President and UC Board of Regents Chairman issued a statement speaking out against bigotry and hate in light of recent instances of anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The statement explained that anti-Semitic incidents, as well as bigotry directed against any member of the UC community because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated and deserve condemnation.
Each of the UC campuses has their own policy regarding the freedom of expression. In addition to these individual policies, the Board of Regents has also established a policy on employee and student protections related to student press and student free speech rights. These policies are based on the belief that free expression, robust discourse, and the vigorous debate over ideas and principles are essential to the mission of the UC.
In 2010, UC established a systemwide Campus Climate Incidents Reporting System, a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents of bias, hate, intolerance, and intimidation. The new hotline was integrated with existing hotlines at the nine undergraduate campuses, and is staffed by an outside vendor to ensure confidentiality.
In 2011, based on deliberations with campus administrations, students, and the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion, the UC amended its policies on student conduct which enhanced the capacity of campus administrators to respond to acts of discrimination, particularly where the victim was targeted because of their identity.
In 2011, several members of the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion visited some UC campuses and met with members of the Jewish community to engage in fact-finding and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for Jewish students. Similarly, Council members also met with members of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities, to gain insight into the educational and co-curricular experiences of Muslim and Arab students and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for them. Several recommendations that came out of these meetings have been implemented, including collecting data in a more inclusive way, addressing dietary and living accommodation needs of Muslim and Jewish students, and providing student meditation or reflection space on campuses.
Beginning fall of 2012, the UC surveyed its faculty and other academic appointees, students, staff, trainees, and post-doctoral scholars about their experiences and perceptions of campus or workplace climate. In response to the findings of the UC Campus Climate Study, each UC campus has convened a group of representatives to develop and execute action plans to address key issues raised in the survey.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
AFSCME
Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity
American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists
Hasbara Fellowships
The Lawfare Project
Zionist Organization of America
Asian Law Caucus
Center for Constitutional Rights
Jewish
Voice for Peace
National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles
Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105
5/14/15 10:48:34
**** END ****
SCR 35
Page 5
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 35
Amended: 5/6/15
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 4/29/15
AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Leyva, Mendoza, Pan
NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Monning, Vidak
DIGEST: This bill urges each University of California (UC) campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and declares the Legislature’s condemnation of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Existing law:
Prohibits the UC Regents, California State University (CSU) Trustees, and Community College District governing boards from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanction solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside a campus of those institutions, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution. Existing law authorizes a student to commence a civil action against an institution that has made or enforced such a rule. (EC § 66301)
Clarifies that the aforementioned law does not prohibit the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation, unless constitutionally protected; nor does it prohibit an institution from adopting rules and regulations designed to prevent hate violence from being directed at students in a manner that denies full participation in the educational process, if the rules and regulations conform to constitutional rights. (EC § 66301)
Prohibits an employee from being dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws, or for refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws. (EC § 66301)
Requests the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and local community college governing boards, to adopt and publish policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. (EC § 66302)
This bill:
Urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia.
Resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Clarifies that nothing in the resolution is intended to diminish the rights of students or anyone else to freely discuss or engage in any legal speech or other activity protected by the United State Constitution.
Makes the following findings:
That the United States Department of State has defined anti-Semitism as specified.
That there is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expression of anti-Semitism throughout the world and that one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity.
That the Jewish Caucus of the Legislature held a related press conference in February 2015 and an estimated 500 people gathered at the Capitol to protest anti-Semitic acts across the nation.
That swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased on college campuses across the country and around the world.
That record anti-Semitic acts around the world in 2014 included murders, attacks, death threats, arson, graffiti, and other acts.
That these acts extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, Nazi salutes, and lead Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity.
That the governments of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, where the majority of European anti-Semitic acts have occurred, have condemned anti-Semitism and declared attacks on their Jewish communities intolerable.
That the State of California actively promotes tolerance of all faiths and religions and the United States government has played an active role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide.
That the Legislature joins in the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism and attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Comments
Need for the bill. According to the author, this resolution is prompted by the display of a Nazi swastika on top of an American flag at a Sacramento home and the spraying of swastikas on a Jewish fraternity building near the UC Davis campus. According to the author, this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism that he opines has been seen across the state and around the world.
Clarifying definitions. This resolution references a definition of anti-Semitism issued by the United States Department of State. Senate Education Committee staff notes that this definition has come under criticism as expanding beyond a definition of anti-Semitism as hatred, violence, intimidation or discrimination targeting Jews because of their ethnic and religious identity to encompassing political speech and activities critical of policies related to the state of Israel.
Islamophobia. This bill calls for the adoption of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) website, Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims.
Related UC Activity. The UC reports several responses and related policies:
In March 2015, the UC President and UC Board of Regents Chairman issued a statement speaking out against bigotry and hate in light of recent instances of anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The statement explained that anti-Semitic incidents, as well as bigotry directed against any member of the UC community because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated and deserve condemnation.
Each of the UC campuses has their own policy regarding the freedom of expression. In addition to these individual policies, the Board of Regents has also established a policy on employee and student protections related to student press and student free speech rights. These policies are based on the belief that free expression, robust discourse, and the vigorous debate over ideas and principles are essential to the mission of the UC.
In 2010, UC established a systemwide Campus Climate Incidents Reporting System, a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents of bias, hate, intolerance, and intimidation. The new hotline was integrated with existing hotlines at the nine undergraduate campuses, and is staffed by an outside vendor to ensure confidentiality.
In 2011, based on deliberations with campus administrations, students, and the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion, the UC amended its policies on student conduct which enhanced the capacity of campus administrators to respond to acts of discrimination, particularly where the victim was targeted because of their identity.
In 2011, several members of the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion visited some UC campuses and met with members of the Jewish community to engage in fact-finding and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for Jewish students. Similarly, Council members also met with members of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities, to gain insight into the educational and co-curricular experiences of Muslim and Arab students and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for them. Several recommendations that came out of these meetings have been implemented, including collecting data in a more inclusive way, addressing dietary and living accommodation needs of Muslim and Jewish students, and providing student meditation or reflection space on campuses.
Beginning fall of 2012, the UC surveyed its faculty and other academic appointees, students, staff, trainees, and post-doctoral scholars about their experiences and perceptions of campus or workplace climate. In response to the findings of the UC Campus Climate Study, each UC campus has convened a group of representatives to develop and execute action plans to address key issues raised in the survey.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
AFSCME
Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity
American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists
The Lawfare Project
Zionist Organization of America
Asian Law Caucus
Center for Constitutional Rights
Jewish
Voice for Peace
National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles
Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105
5/11/15 13:07:46
**** END ****
SCR 35
Page 5
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 35
Amended: 5/6/15
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 6-0, 4/29/15
AYES: Liu, Block, Hancock, Leyva, Mendoza, Pan
NO VOTE RECORDED: Runner, Monning, Vidak
DIGEST: This bill urges each University of California (UC) campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and declares the Legislature’s condemnation of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Existing law:
Prohibits the UC Regents, California State University (CSU) Trustees, and Community College District governing boards from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanction solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside a campus of those institutions, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution. Existing law authorizes a student to commence a civil action against an institution that has made or enforced such a rule. (EC § 66301)
Clarifies that the aforementioned law does not prohibit the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation, unless constitutionally protected; nor does it prohibit an institution from adopting rules and regulations designed to prevent hate violence from being directed at students in a manner that denies full participation in the educational process, if the rules and regulations conform to constitutional rights. (EC § 66301)
Prohibits an employee from being dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws, or for refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws. (EC § 66301)
Requests the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and local community college governing boards, to adopt and publish policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. (EC § 66302)
This bill:
Urges each UC campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia.
Resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of anti-Semitism at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
Clarifies that nothing in the resolution is intended to diminish the rights of students or anyone else to freely discuss or engage in any legal speech or other activity protected by the United State Constitution.
Makes the following findings:
That the United States Department of State has defined anti-Semitism as specified.
That there is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expression of anti-Semitism throughout the world and that one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity.
That the Jewish Caucus of the Legislature held a related press conference in February 2015 and an estimated 500 people gathered at the Capitol to protest anti-Semitic acts across the nation.
That swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased on college campuses across the country and around the world.
That record anti-Semitic acts around the world in 2014 included murders, attacks, death threats, arson, graffiti, and other acts.
That these acts extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, Nazi salutes, and lead Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity.
That the governments of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, where the majority of European anti-Semitic acts have occurred, have condemned anti-Semitism and declared attacks on their Jewish communities intolerable.
That the State of California actively promotes tolerance of all faiths and religions and the United States government has played an active role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide.
That the Legislature joins in the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism and attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
Comments
Need for the bill. According to the author, this resolution is prompted by the display of a Nazi swastika on top of an American flag at a Sacramento home and the spraying of swastikas on a Jewish fraternity building near the UC Davis campus. According to the author, this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism that he opines has been seen across the state and around the world.
Clarifying definitions. This resolution references a definition of anti-Semitism issued by the United States Department of State. Senate Education Committee staff notes that this definition has come under criticism as expanding beyond a definition of anti-Semitism as hatred, violence, intimidation or discrimination targeting Jews because of their ethnic and religious identity to encompassing political speech and activities critical of policies related to the state of Israel.
Islamophobia. This bill calls for the adoption of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) website, Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims.
Related UC Activity. The UC reports several responses and related policies:
In March 2015, the UC President and UC Board of Regents Chairman issued a statement speaking out against bigotry and hate in light of recent instances of anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The statement explained that anti-Semitic incidents, as well as bigotry directed against any member of the UC community because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated and deserve condemnation.
Each of the UC campuses has their own policy regarding the freedom of expression. In addition to these individual policies, the Board of Regents has also established a policy on employee and student protections related to student press and student free speech rights. These policies are based on the belief that free expression, robust discourse, and the vigorous debate over ideas and principles are essential to the mission of the UC.
In 2010, UC established a systemwide Campus Climate Incidents Reporting System, a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents of bias, hate, intolerance, and intimidation. The new hotline was integrated with existing hotlines at the nine undergraduate campuses, and is staffed by an outside vendor to ensure confidentiality.
In 2011, based on deliberations with campus administrations, students, and the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion, the UC amended its policies on student conduct which enhanced the capacity of campus administrators to respond to acts of discrimination, particularly where the victim was targeted because of their identity.
In 2011, several members of the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion visited some UC campuses and met with members of the Jewish community to engage in fact-finding and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for Jewish students. Similarly, Council members also met with members of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities, to gain insight into the educational and co-curricular experiences of Muslim and Arab students and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for them. Several recommendations that came out of these meetings have been implemented, including collecting data in a more inclusive way, addressing dietary and living accommodation needs of Muslim and Jewish students, and providing student meditation or reflection space on campuses.
Beginning fall of 2012, the UC surveyed its faculty and other academic appointees, students, staff, trainees, and post-doctoral scholars about their experiences and perceptions of campus or workplace climate. In response to the findings of the UC Campus Climate Study, each UC campus has convened a group of representatives to develop and execute action plans to address key issues raised in the survey.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
The Lawfare Project
Asian Law Caucus
Center for Constitutional Rights
Jewish
Voice for Peace
National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles
Prepared by: Kathleen Chavira / ED. / (916) 651-4105
5/8/15 16:51:55
**** END ****
SCR 35 (Stone) Page 4 of 4
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Carol Liu, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: SCR 35
Author: |
Stone |
||
Version: |
March 26, 2015 Hearing Date: April 29, 2015 |
||
Urgency: |
No |
Fiscal: |
No |
Consultant: |
Kathleen Chavira |
||
Subject: Anti-Semitism
SUMMARY
This bill urges each University of California (UC) campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and declares the Legislature’s condemnation of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California.
BACKGROUND
Existing law prohibits the UC Regents, CSU Trustees, and CCD governing boards from making or enforcing a rule subjecting a student to disciplinary sanction solely on the basis of conduct that is speech or other communication that, when engaged in outside a campus of those institutions, is protected from governmental restriction by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 2 of Article I of the California Constitution. Existing law authorizes a student to commence a civil action against an institution that has made or enforced such a rule. (EC § 66301)
Existing law clarifies that the aforementioned law does not prohibit the imposition of discipline for harassment, threats, or intimidation, unless constitutionally protected; nor does it prohibit an institution from adopting rules and regulations designed to prevent hate violence from being directed at students in a manner that denies full participation in the educational process, if the rules and regulations conform to constitutional rights.
(EC § 66301)
Existing law prohibits an employee from being dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in conduct protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws, or for refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by the constitution or the aforementioned laws. (EC § 66301)
Existing law requests the UC Regents, the CSU Trustees, and local community college governing boards, to adopt and publish policies on harassment, intimidation, and bullying. (EC § 66302)
ANALYSIS
This bill urges each University of California campus to adopt a resolution condemning all forms of anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia, and resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of anti-Semitism augmenting education programs at all publicly funded schools in the State of California. Further, this resolution finds:
That the United States Department of State has defined anti-Semitism as specified.
That there is clear evidence of increasing and alarming incidents and expression of anti-Semitism throughout the world and that one can witness the proliferation of anti-Semitic activity.
That the Jewish Caucus of the Legislature held a related press conference in February 2015 and an estimated 500 people gathered at the Capitol to protest anti-Semitic acts across the nation.
That swastikas and other anti-Semitic sentiments have increased on college campuses across the country and around the world.
That record anti-Semitic acts around the world in 2014 included murders, attacks, death threats, arson, graffiti, and other acts.
That these acts extended to soccer stadiums, the internet, editorial cartoons, Nazi salutes, and lead Jewish individuals to conceal their religious and ethnic identity.
That the governments of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, where the majority of European anti-Semitic acts have occurred, have condemned anti-Semitism and declared attacks on their Jewish communities intolerable.
That the State of California actively promotes tolerance of all faiths and religions and the United States government has played an active role in counteracting the resurgence of anti-Semitism worldwide.
That the Legislature joins in the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects all forms of anti-Semitism and attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred or violent attacks as an acceptable expression of disapproval or frustration over political events in the Middle East or elsewhere.
STAFF
COMMENTS
Need for the bill. According to the author, this resolution is prompted by the display of a Nazi swastika on top of an American flag at a Sacramento home and the spraying of swastikas on a Jewish fraternity building near the University of California Davis campus. According to the author, this resolution seeks to condemn the rise of anti-Semitism that he opines has been seen across the state and around the world.
Clarifying definitions. This resolution references a definition of anti-Semitism issued by the United States Department of State. Staff notes that this definition has come under criticism as expanding beyond a definition of anti-Semitism as hatred, violence, intimidation or discrimination targeting Jews because of their ethnic and religious identity to encompassing political speech and activities critical of policies related to the state of Israel.
Should the resolution be amended to refer to the Merriam Webster definition of anti-Semitism (hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group) in order to ensure that there is no misinterpretation of the Legislature’s intent regarding this resolution?
Islamophobia. This bill calls for the adoption of a resolution condemning anti-Semitism and racism, including Islamophobia. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) website, Islamophobia is closed-minded prejudice against or hatred of Islam and Muslims. An Islamophobe is an individual who holds a closed-minded view of Islam and promotes prejudice against or hatred of Muslims.
Religious tolerance versus content of educational programs? This bill resolves the Legislature’s condemnation of any act of “anti-Semitism augmenting education programs” at all public funded schools in the State of California. While the Legislature may choose to clearly articulate its condemnation of anti-Semitic acts and tolerance and acceptance of all religious beliefs, it is unclear what specifically would be seen as an “anti-Semitic augmentation of an education program.” Could this language be interpreted as the Legislature’s support of the restriction of free speech activities on a college campus?
Staff recommends the bill be amended to delete “augmenting education programs” on page 3, line 9. Staff further recommends the bill be amended to insert, “Nothing in this resolution is intended to diminish the rights of students or anyone else to freely discuss or engage in any legal speech or other activity protected by the Constitution of the United States.”
Related UC activity. The UC reports several responses and related policies:
In March 2015, the UC President and UC Board of Regents Chairman issued a statement speaking out against bigotry and hate in light of recent instances of anti-Semitism on UC campuses. The statement explained that anti-Semitic incidents, as well as bigotry directed against any member of the UC community because of their faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, will not be tolerated and deserve condemnation.
Each of the UC campuses has their own policy regarding the freedom of expression. In addition to these individual policies, the Board of Regents has also established a policy on employee and student protections related to student press and student free speech rights. These policies are based on the belief that free expression, robust discourse, and the vigorous debate over ideas and principles are essential to the mission of the University.
In 2010, UC established a systemwide Campus Climate Incidents Reporting System, a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents of bias, hate, intolerance, and intimidation. The new hotline was integrated with existing hotlines at the nine undergraduate campuses, and is staffed by an outside vendor to ensure confidentiality.
In 2011, based on deliberations with campus administrations, students, and the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion, the University amended its policies on student conduct which enhanced the capacity of campus administrators to respond to acts of discrimination, particularly where the victim was targeted because of their identity.
In 2011, several members of the UC President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion visited some UC campuses and met with members of the Jewish community to engage in fact-finding and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for Jewish students. Similarly, Council members also met with members of the Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities, to gain insight into the educational and co-curricular experiences of Muslim and Arab students and identify ways to make campuses more inclusive and welcoming for them. Several recommendations that came out of these meetings have been implemented, including collecting data in a more inclusive way, addressing dietary and living accommodation needs of Muslim and Jewish students, and providing student meditation or reflection space on campuses.
Beginning fall of 2012, the University of California surveyed its faculty and other academic appointees, students, staff, trainees, and post-doctoral scholars about their experiences and perceptions of campus or workplace climate. In response to the findings of the UC Campus Climate Study, each UC campus has convened a group of representatives to develop and execute action plans to address key issues raised in the survey.
Related and prior legislation.
HR 35 (Halderman, 2012) called upon officials of California public postsecondary educational institutions to increase their efforts to condemn acts of anti-Semitism on their campuses. This House Resolution was adopted by the Assembly via a vote in the Assembly Higher Education Committee in August 2012 of 8-1.
SUPPORT
None received.
OPPOSITION
Asian Law Caucus
Center for Constitutional Rights
Jewish Voice for Peace
National Lawyers Guild, Los Angeles
-- END --
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
