Latest Posts

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 Bills: HB 2357 (companion), SB 2139.

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 Bills: SB 2389 (companion), SB 2139.

This anti-boycott bill prohibits state contracts with and state investment in companies, including sole proprietorships, that boycott Israel or persons or entities doing business in Israel or territories occupied by Israel. The bill requires contractors to sign a written certification that they do not and will not engage in boycotts of Israel. The bill calls for the creation of a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and prohibits public retirement systems from investing in such companies. Related bill: HB 2142.

This anti-boycott bill prohibits state contracts with and state investment in companies, including sole proprietorships, that boycott Israel or persons or entities doing business in Israel or territories occupied by Israel. The bill requires contractors to sign a written certification that they do not and will not engage in boycotts of Israel. The bill calls for the creation of a blacklist of companies that boycott Israel and prohibits public retirement systems from investing in such companies. Related Bill: SB 1727.

This antisemitism redefinition bill requires state 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 of “demonizing Israel,” “applying a double standard to Israel,” and “delegitimizing 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: SB 581.

This antisemitism redefinition bill requires state 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 of “demoniz[ing] Israel,” applying a “double standard for Israel,” and “delegitimiz[ing] 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 885.

This anti-boycott executive order prohibits contracts with executive branch agencies unless contractors provide written certification that they have not engaged in boycotts of Israel related to the subject matter of the contract. Contractors that engage in such boycotts during the contract term may risk having their contracts terminated. The order provides an exception for companies with less than five employees and contracts under $100,000. 

HCR 1005 is a non-binding resolution that condemns boycotts for Palestinian rights, condemns academic boycotts of Israel, labels the boycott movement as damaging to peace, and affirms South Dakota’s support for Israel. The resolution falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights are a vehicle for spreading antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students on college campuses. Making multiple references to the Old Testament in justifying state support for Israel, the resolution calls on Congress and the president to condemn BDS and respond to “hostile actions against Israel by all means necessary.” 

Affirming South Dakota’s support for Israel, including its occupation of the West Bank, this non-binding resolution targets efforts to seek accountability via the United Nations for Israel’s ongoing violations of international law. It calls for opposing UN Security Council Resolution 2334 “by all means necessary” for contributing to BDS efforts and for making “direct negotiations more, not less, challenging.” UN Security Council Resolution 2334 reaffirmed that Israel’s illegal settlements constitute a flagrant violation of international law. The US broke from its practice of blocking UN accountability measures focused on Israel and abstained rather than vetoing the resolution, causing consternation among pro-Israel groups. HCR 1014 falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights are one of the main drivers of antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students. Making multiple references to the Old Testament in justifying state support for Israel, the resolution declares that “Israel has been granted her lands under and through the oldest recorded deed.” 

HCR 1017 is a non-binding resolution affirming South Dakota’s relationship with Israel and Israel’s right to exist. The resolution falsely claims that boycotts for Palestinian rights are one of the main drivers of antisemitism and have resulted in intimidation of Jewish students. Making multiple references to the Old Testament in justifying state support for Israel, the resolution declares that Israel “is neither an attacking force or an occupier of the lands of others.”