- Legislation
- SB 1250
- Status
- Defeated
- Defeated On
- June 2020
- Type(s)
- Antisemitism Redefinition
- Full Text
- Read SB 1250
This antisemitism redefinition bill requires public educational institutions to consider a distorted definition of antisemitism to determine whether there has been a violation of anti-discrimination laws and policies in Tennessee’s public schools and universities. The bill adopts the 2010 US State Department fact sheet definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples related to Israel: “[d]emonizing of Israel,” “[s]etting double standards for Israel,” including by “[f]ocusing, by multilateral organizations, on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations,” and “[d]elegitimizing Israel.” The definition is so broad and vague that it could encompass any and all criticism of Israel, circumscribing political speech in support of Palestinian rights, potentially in violation of the First Amendment. Related Bill: HB 600.