The California State Assembly voted Monday to advance a bill that would require state agencies to add “Jewish” as a selectable option for ethnicity or ancestry on any form that collects demographic information. If the measure clears its final legislative hurdle, it will go to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature.
Purpose and Expected Benefits
Proponents say the new category will give researchers and policymakers clearer insight into the socioeconomic status of Jewish Californians, including unemployment rates and school representation. David Bocarsly, chief executive of the advocacy group Jewish California, explained that better data will help lawmakers craft policies that address the specific needs of the Jewish community.
Privacy Safeguards and Opposition
Critics raised concerns about the state maintaining records of a historically targeted group. The bill includes language that bars agencies from disclosing personal identifying information, and its author, Senator Henry Stern, emphasized California’s existing privacy protections. Nonetheless, Sydney Levy of the progressive group Jewish Voice for Peace warned that “when it comes to government holding lists of Jews, we do not trust your privacy guardrails.” Jewish studies professor Marc Dollinger added that, according to tradition, Jews have historically avoided being counted.
Impact on Hate‑Crime Tracking and Diversity
Supporters argue that categorizing Jewish identity as an ethnicity will aid the state in tracking hate crimes against Jews, a growing concern nationwide. Others, including Levy, pointed out that Jews of color and Latino Jews have distinct cultural experiences that may not be captured by a single ethnic label.
Legislative Details
The bill would allow individuals to select “Jewish” for ethnicity while also indicating their race, similar to how many identify as Latino ethnically and choose a racial category such as White, Black or Native American. An amendment added Friday lets agencies opt out of adding the new option if doing so would jeopardize federal funding.
Personal Stories Highlight the Need
Senator Stern, who is Jewish, shared a personal anecdote about walking his daughter to synagogue in October 2023 when a driver shouted an antisemitic slur at them. He said the incident spurred him to wear a kippah regularly and reinforced his belief that accurate data could help protect the community. “This bill is just trying to create a little more space for those kinds of people — just let them be seen,” Stern said, adding that he does not expect it to be a radical transformation.
Next Steps
The measure now awaits a vote in the state Senate. If approved, it will be sent to the governor’s desk, where it could become law before the end of the legislative session.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
