by Rabbi Ron Stern

Wise members and many others in the Jewish community have expressed concerns about the California State Board of Education curriculum on ethnic studies. While the objective of the curriculum is admirable: to expose California students to the diverse ethnic communities of our state, particularly people of color who have been historically underrepresented in previous curricular content, the execution is deeply flawed. Thanks to the efforts of many, the State Board of Education released a statement yesterday indicating “the current draft model curriculum falls short and needs to be substantially redesigned.” (Read the full statement here). You can see links to the rejected curriculum at the bottom of the web page here.

Of concern are the following points as outlined in the curriculum:

  • Jews have been omitted from ethnic groups mentioned
  • Antisemitism has been omitted from hate crimes/discrimination sections even though half of religious-based hate crimes in the United States are against Jews
  • A sample topic on the divisive BDS movement, which seeks to undermine the Jewishness of the State of Israel, is included with no balancing perspective (Chap 2 p. 234, line 4957)
  • References to the Nakba and “Palestine War” without indication that this reflects a particular orientation. (Chap 2, p. 242, lines 5160-5161)

While the official comment period has expired, many voices have raised objections to the curriculum including and beyond those areas offensive to members of the Jewish community.  You can read about that here. The California Legislative Jewish Caucus has voiced their concerns along with a number of other Jewish organizations including AJC, the ADL, and the Jewish Federation’s lobbying affiliate. It appears that at this point, the curriculum is undergoing extensive review and revision. You can read more here and here.

We are fortunate to live in a state that has a strong Jewish community that exercises its voice to ensure that our interests are reflected in governmental policy. Moreover, we are fortunate to live in a state that believes in this type of education for all students—and that they appear committed to getting it right. We have every reason to believe that the issues raised are being addressed in a meaningful way. Having said that, your voice is significant. We encourage you to reach out to your state senator and let them know that:

  • It is vital that the history of Jews as an ethnic group in California be included in the curriculum
  • References to Israel must be vetted carefully to remain accurate and free of bias
  • Antisemitism must be discussed as a pernicious and persistent hate crime