Dear Community Members,

As you may have become aware over the weekend, a lawsuit was filed against the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education for open meeting act violations in accordance with the Brown Act related to the adoption of their 2023 Ethnic Studies curriculum. While Jewish Federation of Orange County isn't a party to the lawsuit brought by the Anti-Defamation League, American Jewish Committee, Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Potomac Law Group, and StandWithUs, we are deeply concerned by a number of the Ethnic Studies course outlines that have been approved by the Santa Ana Unified School District board, many of which include content that is both inaccurate and, in some cases, antisemitic. We will continue to advocate for the Jewish community to address these issues in collaboration with school districts, elected officials, and other community groups and ensure that the Ethnic Studies curriculum is balanced and aligned with California law.

As the new school year commences for many of Orange County's school districts, I want to emphasize that Jewish Federation of Orange County is here as a resource for parents and students alike. If you come across any course content that you find problematic, whether within the Ethnic Studies program or elsewhere, please don't hesitate to reach out. Please report antisemitism in schooling here. 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement,





Erik Ludwig, PhD
President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Orange County