Bill sets definition for antisemitism
A measure that would define antisemitism for reviewing, investigating or determining whether there has been a violation of law or policy barring discriminatory acts cleared the Arkansas Senate on Tuesday.
The Senate voted 35-0 to send Senate Bill 118, sponsored by Sen. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, to the House for further action.
The bill states it’s the General Assembly’s intent to adopt the definition of antisemitism adopted on May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, and that antisemitism does not include criticism of Israel that is similar to criticism against any other country.
In reviewing, investigating or determining whether there has been a violation of any relevant policy, law or rule prohibiting discriminatory acts, the government shall take into consideration this definition of antisemitism for the purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by discriminatory antisemitic intent under the bill.
Under SB118, a court or other relevant authority shall apply the same legal standard to a claim of discrimination because of antisemitism as applicable to claims of discrimination arising under state laws protecting civil rights. For the purposes of educating state personnel on issues related to discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-bias training under the bill, this definition of antisemitism shall be used and incorporated as an educational tool to familiarize state personnel with antisemitism in all of its manifestations.