Bill > LB538

This bill requires school boards and postsecondary educational institutions in Nebraska to adopt comprehensive policies addressing discrimination and antisemitism, using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition. The bill mandates that these institutions prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status across all educational programs, services, and activities. Each school district and postsecondary institution must include antisemitism awareness training and formally report any incidents of antisemitic discrimination. The bill also creates two new Title VI coordinator positions - one within the State Department of Education and another within the Coordinating Commission on Postsecondary Education - who will be responsible for monitoring discrimination, investigating complaints, and submitting annual reports to the Legislature. These coordinators have the authority to take action if an institution fails to address discriminatory practices, including potentially reporting violations to federal departments. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that nothing in these provisions should conflict with existing discrimination laws or infringe upon First Amendment rights, ensuring a balanced approach to addressing discrimination while protecting free speech.

Education

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59360