Antisemitism Redefinition

This antisemitism redefinition bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from participating in federal student loan and grant programs if they “authorize, facilitate, provide funding for, or otherwise support” events that run afoul of the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights.

SRes 254 is a non-binding resolution that encourages federal, state, and local government entities, as well as academic institutions, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders, to “adopt and exclusively utilize” the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition conflates criticism of Israel with anti-Jewish discrimination and has been deployed primarily to silence and punish advocacy for Palestinian rights. 

S 0419 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state anti-discrimination law. This bill also states the IHRA definition of antisemitism will be used for educational purposes with state personnel. Related Bill: H 3686.

H 3686 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state anti-discrimination law. This bill also states the IHRA definition of antisemitism will be used for educational purposes with state personnel. Related Bill: S 0419.

S0649 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state anti-discrimination law. The explanation accompanying the text states, “ This act would define “anti-Semitism” for the state human affairs commission to use while investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination and for the commission against prejudice and bias to use in defining hate crimes.”

S 431 withholds U.S. funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) unless the Secretary of State certifies in writing that no UNRWA employee, contractor, or partner organization has criticized Israel, expressed support for boycotts for justice, or propagated antisemitic rhetoric. Examples of prohibited rhetoric include “describing Israelis as ‘occupiers’ or ‘settlers,’” expressing support for BDS, and advocating for the right of return. In defining antisemitism, the bill relies on the distorted IHRA definition, including its contemporary examples related to Israel. The IHRA definition conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experiences with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism. Similar bills introduced in previous sessions failed to pass.

HB 1037 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into Indiana law applying to public schools and higher education institutions. The introduced version of this bill referred to the definition of antisemitism found in a 2010 Department of State factsheet that is substantially similar to the IHRA definition.

HB 30 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that requires state agencies to consider the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, when addressing allegations of discrimination or in the context of hate crimes enhancements. The definition conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experience and history with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism. An amended version of the bill adds antisemitic imagery to the state’s definition of terrorism and defines antisemitism according to the IHRA definition, a definition that conflates criticism of Israel and Palestinians’ lived experience and history with anti-Jewish hate, infringing on protected expression and exacerbating anti-Palestinian racism.

This antisemitism redefinition executive order directs all state agencies to adopt and use the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights. State agencies are required to consider the IHRA definition for the purposes of determining whether an alleged act of discrimination was motivated by antisemitic intent. Additionally, the order requires the IHRA definition to be used as an educational tool for anti-bias training for state personnel.

HB 1606 is an antisemitism redefinition bill that adopts the distorted IHRA definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples that target advocacy for Palestinian rights, into state law addressing discrimination as well as other areas of law. Related bill: SB 1252.