Why a US education bill on antisemitism drew criticism and was vetoed

Time of India

a day ago

Governor Katie Hobbs. (Getty Images)
Arizona antisemitism bill:
A bill in the US state of Arizona aimed at banning the teaching or promotion of antisemitism in public K-12 schools, colleges, and universities has been vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs.
The legislation would have introduced strict penalties for educators and institutions, but it drew national attention for what many saw as an attack on academic freedom and free speech.
The measure passed Arizona's legislature with a 33-20 vote, including support from a few Democrats. However, Governor Hobbs, a Democrat, vetoed the bill, saying it posed serious risks to educators. 'It puts an unacceptable level of personal liability in place for our public school, community college, and university educators and staff,' she said, as quoted by the Associated Press.
Educators risked lawsuits and penalties
Under the proposal, teachers and administrators could be sued by students over 18 or by parents of younger students for creating a 'hostile education environment' related to antisemitism. Those found in violation would be denied immunity and made personally responsible for paying damages, with the state prohibited from covering any legal judgments.
As reported by the Associated Press, public educators would have faced escalating penalties: a first offense would bring a reprimand, a second a certificate suspension, and a third offense would lead to certificate revocation.
College staff faced similar consequences, including suspension without pay and eventual termination.
The bill also blocked universities and colleges from recognizing student groups that host speakers accused of promoting antisemitism, calling for genocide, or encouraging others to engage in antisemitic acts.
Opponents warned of vague definitions and censorship
Opponents said the bill's language was overly broad and could be used to target discussions about the Holocaust or criticism of Israel.
Lori Shepherd, executive director of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, said the bill could 'threaten teachers' ability to provide students with a full account of the holocaust,' as reported by the Associated Press.
She warned that classroom conversations could be labeled antisemitic 'depending on how a single phrase is interpreted, regardless of intent or context.'
Democratic lawmakers attempted to replace the term 'antisemitism' with 'unlawful discrimination' and remove the lawsuit clause, but those changes were rejected.
Sponsor defends bill, calls veto disgraceful
The bill's main sponsor, Republican Representative Michael Way of Queen Creek, called the veto 'disgraceful' and said it misrepresented the bill's purpose. He said it aimed to stop 'egregious and blatant antisemitic content' in schools, as quoted by the Associated Press. He added that claims the bill threatened educators' speech were 'disingenuous at best.'
Part of a wider national trend
The Arizona bill joins similar efforts across the US. In Louisiana, a resolution asks universities to adopt antisemitism policies and track reports. In Michigan, lawmakers want to add antisemitism to the state's civil rights law.
Governor Hobbs acknowledged antisemitism is a serious issue in the US but said parents and students already have channels through the state Board of Education to report it, as reported by the Associated Press.
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