STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) targeting antisemitism on college campuses and K-12 classrooms.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, reports of antisemitic events have increased by nearly 360% since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. Judy said the bill clearly defines antisemitism for Indiana's public education institutions, which he said ensures the concept isn’t included in instructional or classroom resources.
"This proposed legislation outlines a clear definition of antisemitism to prevent its presence in K-12 classrooms and college campuses," Judy said. "The mistreatment of Jewish students nationwide is shocking, and we need to work together to make them feel welcome."
Judy said this legislation would define antisemitism as religious discrimination in state law to ensure that K-12 schools and universities do not include the concept in teaching materials or resources. More specifically, antisemitism would be defined as "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." According to Judy this definition is already adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.
Judy said this proposal is the same legislation from the 2023 legislative session, which passed unanimously out of the House, but did not receive a hearing in the Indiana Senate.
House Bill 1002 now heads to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
