Bill > HB2867

This bill establishes comprehensive prohibitions against antisemitism in Arizona's public schools and higher education institutions. The legislation defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition and prohibits educational institutions, their employees, and contractors from teaching, promoting, or supporting antisemitic conduct that creates a hostile educational environment. Specifically, the bill bars educators from calling for genocide, requiring students to advocate for antisemitic views, or using public or external funds to support antisemitic curriculum or activities. The bill establishes a detailed reporting and enforcement mechanism, allowing students, parents, or public members to file complaints about potential antisemitic conduct. For public schools, violations can result in formal reprimands, certificate suspensions, or revocations for teachers and principals, while higher education institutions may face escalating disciplinary actions including reprimands, suspensions without pay, and potential termination of employees. The legislation also allows for civil lawsuits by students who can prove that antisemitic conduct created a hostile educational environment, with courts able to award damages. Importantly, the bill includes protections for legitimate academic discussions about Jewish history and explicitly states that it does not infringe on constitutionally protected speech, aiming to create clear guidelines for addressing antisemitism while preserving academic freedom.