Bill > SB1051

This bill creates new provisions to combat antisemitism and discrimination in educational institutions across Missouri, applying to both K-12 public schools and postsecondary institutions. The bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and requires educational institutions to treat antisemitic harassment or discrimination with the same seriousness as racial discrimination. Specifically, institutions must integrate this definition into their codes of conduct, prohibit conduct that impedes normal educational activities through physical obstruction or creating an atmosphere of fear or intimidation, and establish penalties for harassment of Jewish individuals consistent with federal civil rights regulations. The bill emphasizes that legitimate criticism of Israel similar to criticism of other countries should not be considered antisemitic and explicitly protects First Amendment rights. Additionally, the bill mandates that educational institutions provide equal access and opportunities to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status. The legislation also requires educational institutions to report antisemitic incidents to a Title VI coordinator, who must investigate complaints and potentially escalate unresolved issues to federal departments of Education and Justice, with an annual report to be published detailing these complaints.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=281