California commission splits over Middle East language in annual report; forms 30‑day ad hoc committee

Chair Roybal convened the California Commission on the State of Hate on April 24 to review the draft annual report and to discuss proposed edits. Commissioners praised staff work on research, outreach, and recommended changes but diverged sharply over one passage describing recent violence originating in the Middle East.

The dispute centered on whether to describe events beginning October 7, 2023, with neutral, non‑inflammatory phrasing or with specific language referring to subsequent Israeli military actions. Commissioner Senar urged the draft to name both the October 7 attacks by Hamas and the later Israeli military operation in Gaza, saying the omission risks leaving out the sequence of events that has driven campus tensions: "I would advise that we include the Israeli military offensive in Gaza," she said. Other commissioners suggested alternative words such as "response" or "defensive action," and several warned that any wording could be perceived as taking a political position.

After extended debate and a short recess for consultation, the commission voted to create a time‑limited ad hoc subcommittee to work with staff on that section of the report. The motion was moved by Commissioner Damske, seconded by Commissioner Levin, and passed. Chair Roybal appointed Commissioners Feiler and Senar to the 30‑day subcommittee. The chair said the subcommittee will consult other commissioners and staff and bring a revised proposal back, or return to the full commission if consensus cannot be reached.

The commission's vote preserves staff and the full body’s ability to refine factual framing while deferring the final wording to a smaller group charged with balancing accuracy, neutrality, and community impact. The commission also confirmed that, as before, the report will move forward through the governor’s office review process once internal edits are settled.