Bill > SB126

This bill adds a new section to the Public School Code of 1949 that establishes strict penalties for universities in Pennsylvania that support events perceived as antisemitic during the 2025-2026 academic year. Under the proposed legislation, any university that authorizes, facilitates, or supports an antisemitic event would be ineligible to receive Commonwealth funding for that school year and would be required to refund any previously received funding. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of antisemitism that includes multiple specific scenarios, such as denying the Holocaust, making dehumanizing allegations about Jewish people, applying double standards to Israel, or calling for harm against Jewish individuals. If a university is accused of violating these provisions, the State Board of Education must schedule a hearing within 30 days to evaluate the allegations, and the university would be subject to funding penalties pending the board's majority vote. The bill defines "university" using an existing legal definition and clarifies that "funding" includes both budget allocations and Commonwealth grants. The legislation would take effect 60 days after its passage, specifically targeting antisemitic events during the 2025-2026 school year.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=126