August 22, 2012.
AUDIO: In this recording, previously not available online (the last televised meeting of this committee appears to be from the month prior), the California State Assembly Higher Education Committee deliberates on HR 35, presented by author Linda Halderman (R-Fresno). The bill equates campus criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish hate crimes and violence, a premise that is never questioned during the hearing.
Speakers representing the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the University of California, and California State University express their support for the bill, with the UC rep stating they will “support if amended”. The UC’s suggested amendment regarding first amendment rights and the allocation of public funds is not included, but they appear to still support the “spirit” of HR 35.
Beyond the UC’s “support if amended” statements no formal opposition to the bill’s content is presented, and no UC students or faculty speak or discuss HR35’s potential impact. There is some deliberation among committee members about the free speech issues the bill may create, and author Linda Halderman acknowledges that student speech will be targeted. But HR 35 ultimately passes unanimously through the committee.
HR 35 Supporters:
2:33:Cliff Berg, President of Governmental Advocates, speaks on behalf of the Simon Wiesenthal Center
6:38: Steve Juarez Associate Vice President and Director for State Government relations, on behalf of University of California.
8:25:Andrew Martinez Legislative Advocate for the California State University Advocacy and State rep