Santa Ana Unified School District Ceases Ethnic Studies Classes Amid Antisemitism Lawsuit Settlement

The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) has settled a lawsuit filed by several Jewish organizations, resulting in the cessation of ethnic studies courses that were alleged to contain antisemitic content. As part of the settlement, SAUSD will redesign the courses with public input and recognize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a controversial issue, adhering to established policies that require fact-based teaching and the presentation of multiple viewpoints. The lawsuit, initiated by the Brandeis Center, Anti-Defamation League, and American Jewish Committee, accused the district of developing biased curricula in secrecy, promoting harmful narratives about Israel and the Jewish people. The settlement includes disbanding the Ethnic Studies Steering Committee and ceasing collaboration with an external consultant who expressed antisemitic views. This case has broader implications, signaling to school districts nationwide that biased curricula cannot be developed without transparency. The settlement is seen as a response to rising antisemitism in educational settings, particularly following recent events in Israel.