1st US ethnic studies plan called anti-Semitic, faces update

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The head of California public schools wants to change what would be the nation’s first statewide ethnic studies curriculum after Jewish lawmakers complained that the proposed lessons are anti-Semitic.

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond said Wednesday that he will recommend removing sections that the California Legislative Jewish Caucus finds objectionable.

Caucus members say the proposed curriculum reflects an anti-Jewish bias and reinforces negative stereotypes while singling out Israel for criticism.

The proposal went to a Board of Education advisory commission in May, and it’s seeking public comments through Thursday.

The curriculum has drawn other criticism, including from a conservative researcher who says it lumps in capitalism with racism and white supremacy.