The Oklahoma Senate recently stepped forward in what's being hailed as a decisive move to protect Jewish students and take a stand against antisemitism, with the passing of two significant bills initiated by Senator Kristen Thompson. Senate Bill 991 boldly defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition, a first for Oklahoma State statute setting a precedent, while Senate Bill 942 leans on the State Regents for Higher Education to craft and apply policies that would resist antisemitic discrimination on public college campuses, as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
The push for these bills has seen the light of Senate chambers, garnering wide bipartisan nods and now, they wait their turn in the House's hands; Thompson, representing Edmond, has been vocal about the rising tide of concern from Jewish students, their educators and their families across the state, and she didn't mince words when she proclaimed, "Antisemitism has no place in our state," according to a press release on the Oklahoma Senate website. The senator, in her unwavering stance, went on to establish that “These bills make it clear that Oklahoma stands with our Jewish communities and will not tolerate hatred disguised as political discourse. We are drawing a firm line and giving our schools the tools to take meaningful action.”
The groundswell of support can be felt as you would expect, with faith leaders, academicians, and national entities that have dedicated their existence to combating antisemitism have rallied behind Thompson's legislative endeavors. What's equally notable, amid all the significant affirmations, is her assurance that the bills are not crafted to quash free speech, but to provide a surefooted base for educational institutions to address and assess incidents of antisemitic conduct or speech with precision and efficacy.
"This is about safety, accountability, and making sure every student can learn in an environment free from hate," Thompson said in her assertion that the goal was straight-shooting, aiming for an educational haven free from the blight of bigotry, she conveyed this sentiment in words that stay true to the principle of inclusion, as per the press release on the Oklahoma Senate website.
