Arizona Passes Antisemitism Education Bill Awaiting Governor's Approval

Arizona has passed HB 2867, the Antisemitism in Education Act, which prohibits public school and college staff from promoting antisemitism or compelling students to endorse antisemitic views for academic credit, now awaiting Governor Katie Hobbs' signature. The bill follows the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism and aims to protect students and teachers from antisemitic hate while preserving free academic discourse on topics like the Holocaust and Israel. It establishes a complaint process requiring concerns to be addressed first by school officials or the Department of Education before allowing civil lawsuits against teachers, who would be personally liable for legal costs if sued. The legislation received bipartisan support but faced opposition from Democrats who fear it could chill teaching about the Holocaust and historical events or expose teachers to personal liability over disagreements about content. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to create safe learning environments free from antisemitism, while critics warn it may put educators in jeopardy and conflate political speech with discrimination. The debate highlights tensions over defining antisemitism and balancing protections against hate with academic freedom in Arizona schools.