SB2684/HB2673, known as the “Antisemitism in Education Act,” specifically prohibits any manifestation of hostility or prejudice against a person because they are Jewish.  The bill contains a list of specific prohibited actions.  The original drafting of the bill exposed potential violations of accreditation standards.

The Senate amendment retains a working definition of antisemitism along with a list of contemporary examples of antisemitic actions. The amendment redirects complaints to the university’s current complaint process and includes annual reporting by the public colleges and universities.  

The House is proposing an amendment which keeps the working definition, removes all reporting requirements, but still requires that campuses shall consider the list of contemporary examples of antisemitism.  The House version does not include the actual list, but does point to it as provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Both amendments indicate that higher education officials “shall” consider the working definition and list of contemporary examples.  Many in the higher education community are proposing that the word “shall” be changed to “may.”

The Senate Education Committee attached their amendment with a vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 present not voting.  The bill will now be calendared for the Senate floor.  The House version is still in the K-12 Subcommittee and will be considered next week.