Bill > SB352

This bill seeks to prohibit antisemitism in Arkansas public K-12 schools and state-supported higher education institutions by establishing comprehensive guidelines for addressing and preventing antisemitic discrimination. The legislation defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition and requires schools and colleges to treat antisemitic harassment or discrimination with the same seriousness as other forms of discrimination prohibited by law. Key provisions include mandating school districts and higher education institutions to adopt policies explicitly defining antisemitism, develop reporting mechanisms, and incorporate antisemitism awareness training. The bill establishes a Title VI Coordinator within the Department of Education who will monitor discrimination complaints, investigate reports, and issue annual reports to the General Assembly detailing discrimination incidents. Schools and institutions are encouraged to integrate Jewish-American heritage curriculum and place reasonable restrictions on speech to protect student rights. The bill importantly includes exceptions to protect First Amendment rights and clarifies that legitimate criticism of Israel is not considered antisemitism. The legislation stems from concerns about rising antisemitic incidents, with the bill citing FBI data showing a tripling of antisemitic hate crime investigations and a Gallup poll indicating 81% of Americans now view antisemitism as a serious problem.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb352&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R