Image Credit: State Representative Scott Cepicky / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
On Monday, July 7, lawmakers gathered with Jewish community leaders at the state capitol in Nashville to commemorate the passage of a bill designed to combat discrimination and antisemitism in the state’s public education system.
Signed by Gov. Lee on April 24 of this year, HB1188 stipulates that in addition to adhering to already existing antidiscrimination laws, “A public institution of education must treat harassment or discrimination against students or employees, or resulting from institutional policies or programs on their campuses, motivated by or including antisemitic intent in an identical manner to discrimination motivated by race.”
It further requires that, “All public institutions of education shall integrate the definition of antisemitism into their student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct.”
The definition to be used is the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, which also used by the U.S. Department of State, and states antisemitism is, “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.”
– Obliges all public education institutions to integrate the definition of antisemitism into their student, faculty, and employee codes of conduct.
– Labels harassment and discrimination specifically against Jews as “prohibited conduct” in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
– Requires the designation of a “Title VI coordinator” by the department of education for K-12 schools and by each governing board of a public institution of higher learning to monitor “antisemitic discrimination and harassment” in all public schools.
– Encourages all public institutions of education, “to incorporate antisemitism awareness training for all students, faculty, administrators, and campus police, as well as to integrate Jewish American Heritage curricula for students that incorporates Jewish experiences in America pre- and post-revolution, pre- and post WWII and the Holocaust, and in modern times.”
The legislation’s preamble cites it necessity is due to, “a historic rise in antisemitic violence, harassment, and discrimination” in schools, both K-12 and those of higher learning, across the state and nation and reports that in April 2024, the FBI found that the “investigations into antisemitic hate crimes tripled in the months after October 7, 2023.”
It also declares that “acts of antisemitism on our campuses undermine the educational and social fabric of our institutions,” and “promoting understanding, tolerance, and respect for all students and faculty is imperative.”
During the legislative session, the bill found strong bipartisan support, passing the House 79-11 and the Senate 30-1, and its passage was celebrated by Jewish leaders and representatives as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
These representatives, including those from the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), gathered to memorialize the bill becoming law alongside the legislation’s sponsors, Rep. Rusty Grills (R-Newbern-77) and Sen. Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale-District 32).
Other legislators in attendance included Republican Reps. Chris Todd, Scott Cepicky, and the event’s host, House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
The event featured the formal presentation of an official commemorative copy of the law to Jewish representatives including CAM Director of State Engagement David Soffer, who praised lawmakers for their bipartisan efforts on the legislation. Soffer testified in favor of the bill during the committee process and believes “Tennessee’s leadership in this issue sets and example for other states” in passing “meaningful protections.”
In 2022, Tennessee’s General Assembly passed a bill to officially recognize the IHRA Working Definition of antisemitism as a guiding standard, but this law goes further by requiring the integration of the definition into educational policies.
Advocates for the law believe the legislation is a “vital measure to send a powerful message that Tennessee is taking proactive steps to protect its Jewish community and to demonstrate that hatred in all its forms will not be tolerated.”
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
