A prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, Melina Abdullah, recently stirred up controversy again. After previously suggesting that Taylor Swift fans exhibit some racial bias, Abdullah took to a California State University classroom to criticize a new bill aimed at combating anti-Semitism in schools.
In a YouTube video shared in September, Abdullah, who teaches a course on race, activism, and emotions, labeled the bill “terrible,” claiming that those behind it “don’t even like Jews.”
The legislation, known as AB 715, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October and is set to take effect in January 2026. It will introduce an Anti-Semitism Coordinator within the Office of Civil Rights to address anti-Semitism in K-12 public schools.
Abdullah argued that the bill serves ulterior motives, aiming to stifle pro-Palestinian activism and to criminalize education that critiques Israel. “The folks pushing this are anti-Semites; they might not care about anti-Semitism,” she declared, going as far as to accuse former President Trump of being an anti-Semite himself.
“They’re using this as an excuse to criminalize teaching the truth in the classroom,” she added, suggesting that this bill represents a broader attempt to suppress student protests against the administration’s stance.
Interestingly, Abdullah claimed that all her Jewish friends oppose AB 715, indicating a shared disapproval of the situation in Gaza. She asserted that the bill was drafted by “two Zionists” funded by pro-Israel groups.
“These idiots don’t even like Jews,” she stated. “Have you ever heard an old white guy from South Carolina rave about Jews? No. Yet these same people flaunt Israeli flags alongside the American flag,” she continued, arguing against supporting Israel.
Abdullah urged her students to push Newsom to veto the bill before he signs it, noting that “Gavin Newsom wants to be president.” She expressed admiration for his provocative political style, despite not agreeing with all his views.
She encouraged her students, emphasizing that elections are often manipulated, and that they should rally to influence Newsom’s decision on AB 715. Abdullah views the ability to sway political leadership as critical, particularly in this context.
Abdullah’s classroom use for mobilizing against this bill is seen by some as part of a larger trend of politicizing education. Tammy Rothman Benjamin, executive director of AMCHA, a nonprofit addressing anti-Semitism, commented on this troubling pattern.
In a side note, Abdullah is also running for vice president in 2024, competing against fellow activist Cornel West.
Adding to her controversies, California State University is reportedly under investigation by the Trump administration for alleged anti-Semitism on campus. Abdullah’s history includes contentious remarks, like her 2024 comment about Taylor Swift fandom having racial undertones.
Efforts to reach Abdullah and representatives from California State University for comments were unsuccessful.
