California Education Dept says LA district erred when it said teacher’s lack of intent means she didn’t discriminate against Jews

The California Education Department has overturned a finding by the Manhattan Beach Unified School District regarding an Advanced Placement U.S. history teacher who posted materials accusing Israel of "genocide." The state ruled that the district erred in absolving the teacher, stating that intent is not required to prove discriminatory conduct under the California Education Code. The instructional materials, which lacked opposing views, created an "intimidating and discriminatory environment" for some students.

• The incident occurred at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, California.
• Emet Legal Services filed an appeal on behalf of the South Bay Jewish Advocacy Group.
• The state is requiring the district to implement mandatory training on "preventing bias and prejudice in the classroom, with a specific emphasis on antisemitism" for all teachers and administrators by October 26.

"This decision sends an unmistakable message to school boards across California," said Ilana Cohen of Emet Legal. "You cannot turn a blind eye to classroom bias or defend it under the shield of 'good intentions.'"

The district has accepted the decision and is implementing the required corrective actions.