The Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia convened on June 25, 2025, to address alarming trends in civil rights violations, particularly against Muslim communities in California. The meeting highlighted a significant rise in Islamophobia, xenophobia, and anti-Arab racism, which have led to increased attacks on free speech and civil rights across the state.

A representative from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported that 2024 marked the highest number of civil rights complaints in the organization's history. This surge was not only notable for its volume but also for the disturbing patterns observed. Students have faced repercussions for advocating for human rights, including being fired or disciplined for expressing solidarity with Palestinians. The report indicated that nearly half of surveyed Muslim students experienced harassment or discrimination, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023.

The committee discussed the implications of these findings, emphasizing that the erosion of free speech is particularly concerning in a climate where federal policies are increasingly hostile toward dissent. The representative noted a 71.5% increase in law enforcement encounters related to campus protests, raising fears about the policing of dissent and the use of surveillance against Muslim individuals.

The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of these issues, with rising hate affecting various communities, including Jewish, Black, Indigenous, Latino, LGBTQ+, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and disabled communities. The committee members expressed solidarity, stating that an attack on one community is an attack on all.

As the meeting concluded, the committee called for urgent action to protect civil rights and free speech, particularly in educational settings. The discussions highlighted the need for greater support and protection for students and communities facing discrimination, as well as a commitment to uphold the principles of free expression in California.