Bill > SB645

This bill amends the Texas Education Code to explicitly include antisemitism within the definition of bullying for school discipline purposes. The bill defines antisemitism as conduct involving a negative perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred, including rhetorical and physical acts directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, or Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. The definition references the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's "Working Definition of Antisemitism" adopted in 2016. The bill will apply to school disciplinary policies starting with the 2025-2026 school year, and will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote by the Texas Legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote. By adding this specific definition, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance to schools on identifying and addressing antisemitic behavior as a form of bullying, thereby protecting students from discrimination and harassment based on their Jewish identity or perceived Jewish background.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB645