Yesterday, Senator Kristen Thompson was awarded the Yolanda Charney Award for Public Leadership, a recognition from the Jewish Federation of Tulsa for her work in advocating against antisemitism in Oklahoma; Thompson is notably the force behind the passage of SB 991 and SB 942, aiming to tackle discrimination faced by Jewish communities. According to the Oklahoma Senate's press release, SB 991 enshrines the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism into state statute, while SB 942 makes it mandatory for public educational institutions to include the definition in their codes of conduct to protect Jewish students under Title VI.
During the luncheon where she was honored, Senator Thompson, who represents Senate District 22 and chairs the Senate Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism Committee and the LEAD Committee, expressed her gratitude, she noted the importance of allies, concrete action, and legislation in fostering real progress, which echoes through to battling discrimination in all its insidious forms, "These measures make clear that Oklahoma will not tolerate antisemitism." Thompson said, as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
The Yolanda Charney Award celebrates civic leaders who have shown dedication to education, justice, and interfaith cooperation, values that Yolanda Charney herself championed throughout her life. Senator Thompson's leadership in sponsoring legislation designed to cement the state's stance against antisemitism has brought her into alignment with the award's ethos.
In addition to her work combating antisemitism, Senator Thompson is an active voice on issues of education, economic development and public health representing parts of Piedmont and Edmond in District 22.
