03-03-2025
Bill aims to prohibit antisemitism in Arkansas public schools
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A bill that seeks to prohibit antisemitism in Arkansas public schools has been introduced into the Arkansas legislature.
Senate Bill 352 was proposed on March 3 by Sen. Matt Stone (R-Camden) and Rep. Howard M. Beaty Jr. (R-Crossett). It was co-sponsored by Sen. Ben Gilmore (R-Crossett).
Antisemitism is defined as '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,' according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
In the legislative text, it states that the act would prohibit antisemitism in both public elementary and secondary schools, as well as in state-supported institutions of higher education, after the General Assembly found that 'a historic rise in antisemitic violence, harassment, and discrimination has occurred… targeting Jewish students.'
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The Federal Bureau of Investigations is cited in the act, stating that 'In April 2024, the Director of the [FBI] found that the number of [FBI] investigations into antisemitic hate crimes tripled in the months after October 7, 2023.'
The act also cites a Gallup poll, which claims that '81% of Americans now see antisemitic as either a 'very serious' or 'somewhat serious' problem, up from 57% two decades ago.'
If passed, the act would impose requirements on schools to treat antisemitic harassment or discrimination in the same manner as other forms of discrimination.
The full bill can be found below.
Senate Bill 352Download
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