Rep. Emily Gise of Oklahoma City recently spoke at The Boulder Summit, a conference aimed to directly address the rise in antisemitism, especially within the context of higher education. Gise emphasized Oklahoma's initiatives to combat hate crimes and antisemitic harassment on college campuses. "We’re not here to make statements, we’re here to pass laws that protect students and ensure every campus is a place of safety and respect," Gise stated, as reported by Oklahoma House News.
Hosted by Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett, the summit followed not too long after an antisemitic attack that shook the local community. The event was described as a necessary response to what organizers labeled a national emergency. At the gathering, leaders came together to brainstorm ways to more effectively safeguard Jewish students and their supporters. Gise used this platform to reiterate Oklahoma's support for Israel and stand with U.S. President Trump against what she views as "extremist Islamic terrorism," as mentioned on the Oklahoma House of Representatives website.
During the event, Gise highlighted two specific pieces of legislation Oklahoma passed earlier this year. Senate Bill 942, which Gise co-authored with Sen. Kristen Thompson, sets forth mandatory policies to combat antisemitic harassment in schools, aligning with Title VI civil rights protections. "In Oklahoma, we took proactive steps to address the growing threat of antisemitism with Senate Bills 942 and 991, strengthening our state’s response to antisemitic violence and ensuring our laws reflect zero tolerance for hate," Sen. Thompson was quoted in the Oklahoma House News.
The conference served not just to share experiences but to spark concerted action among states to tackle an issue that has seen a worrying increase lately. Senate Bill 991, also a result of Thompson's efforts and Gise's support, incorporates the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism into the state education system, effectively setting a standard to quickly identify and respond to hate-based conduct. Gise added on the Oklahoma House of Representatives, "This is not just a matter of foreign policy, it’s a matter of principle," demonstrating her belief in the overarching values informing such policies.
With the rise in antisemitic violence and incidents--a surge tied, at least in part, to the conflict between Israel and Hamas--the summit proved to be timely. Lawmakers, university representatives, and community leaders alike convened to propose stronger measures for educational institutions and increase the call for public support. Gise's participation has been noted as a significant contribution to the dialogue, which aims to evolve into more persistent protection for those facing religious discrimination in educational settings. "I'm grateful to the City of Boulder and Mayor Brockett for the opportunity to join this important conversation," Gise told Oklahoma House News.
