AJC Statement on the Appointment of California's First Office of Civil Rights Director

The establishment of the Office of Civil Rights is a key component of AB 715 and an important step toward strengthening California's ability to prevent and address discrimination in schools. With the new school year about to begin, we welcome the appointment of Lele Yutzy as its first director. This comes at a vital moment for building the capacity, expertise, and accountability necessary to support students, families, educators, and school communities across the state.

"We welcome the opportunity to work with Director Yutzy to help realize the full promise of AB 715's landmark reforms," said Carole Yellen, AJC California Education Policy Director. "We look forward to the state's continued progress on filling the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator and additional civil rights coordinator positions, which the law also requires. The staffing of these offices is essential to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn in nurturing and inclusive environments free from discrimination."

AJC thanks Governor Newsom for the progress already made and is eager to see full the full implementation of AB 715.

American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, creating trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving. Through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries, empowering those in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies. For more, please visit www.ajc.org .

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