Oklahoma State Senator Kristen Thompson, representing District 22, was recently honored with the Yolanda Charney Award for Public Leadership. The recognition was given at a luncheon by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, a nod to her work against antisemitism manifest in two significant pieces of legislation. Signed into law this year, Senate Bills 991 and 942 bolster protections for the Jewish community in Oklahoma, with the Senate vote showing a strong bipartisan endorsement of the measures.
Senate Bill 991, as reported by the Oklahoma State Senate, weaves the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law, setting a foundation for accountability. Signed also was Senate Bill 942, mandating public educational institutions to include the IHRA definition in their codes of conduct, seeks to safeguard Jewish students under Title VI.
"These measures make clear that Oklahoma will not tolerate antisemitism," Senator Thompson told the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. "I am grateful to the members of the Legislature who had the moral clarity to support these bills, and I am deeply honored to receive this award in Yolanda Charney’s name. Real progress requires more than words — it requires allies, meaningful legislation, and action." Her words highlight an actionable stance against discrimination and a commitment to legislative action.
The award commemorates the late Yolanda Charney, whose dedication to education, justice, and interfaith cooperation shone throughout her life. Having an active voice in matters of education, economic development, and public health, Senator Thompson, also chairing committees on economic development, workforce, and tourism, fits the bill and continues to represent portions of Piedmont and Edmond within Senate District 22.
