Way's Antisemitism in Education Bill Passes Committee

Arizona Capitol

State Representative Michael Way's (R-15) "Antisemitism in Education" bill has passed the Arizona House Education Committee. It prohibits schools and other state agencies from promoting antisemitism.

More specifically, Rep. Way's bill prohibits the engagement or promotion of antisemitism in education with taxpayer dollars and allows teachers, students, and parents to report violations.

Rep. Way's bill uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which says, "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

A more in-depth explanation offered by the IHRA's website includes Holocaust denial, certain forms of anti-Israel and anti-Zionist sentiment, and classical canards of Jewish conspiracies and blood libel.

In his press release, the Arizona Congressman said, "Our schools should be places of learning, not breeding grounds for hatred and discrimination. Arizona has zero tolerance for antisemitism, and this bill ensures that our classrooms are free from the toxic ideology that fuels division and hostility. No teacher, administrator, or student should be forced to endorse or participate in any form of antisemitic conduct. This legislation sends a clear message—there will be consequences for those who violate these fundamental principles."

In April 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) of Florida signed a similar bill, HB269, into law, which provided law enforcement with more resources to punish perpetrators of antisemitic and other anti-religious incidents.

"In 2019, I had the opportunity here in Israel to sign into law groundbreaking legislation to root out antisemitism from our public education system, establishing Florida as a leader in protecting religious liberty," said Gov. DeSantis.

"Four years later, the threats faced by religious Americans of all faiths have evolved. Through this legislation, we are ensuring that perpetrators who commit acts of antisemitism and target religious groups or individuals will be punished," the Florida Governor added.

Grayson Bakich

Florida born and raised, Grayson Bakich is a recent recipient of a Master’s Degree in Political Science at the University of Central Florida. His thesis examined recent trends in political polarization and how this leads into justification of violence.