Arizona Cracks Down on Antisemitism in Schools with New Bipartisan Bill—Will the Governor Sign It?

The Arizona Legislature has passed the Antisemitism in Education Act (HB2867), a bipartisan initiative spearheaded by State Representative Michael Way. This legislation aims to combat antisemitic conduct within the state’s public schools and universities. With final approval from the Arizona House, the bill now awaits the governor’s signature.

HB2867 prohibits educators and faculty at public institutions from promoting antisemitism or compelling students to adopt antisemitic viewpoints for academic credit or advancement. It also bars the use of public funds for any instruction, training, or programming that is antisemitic in nature.

“Arizona’s students and teachers deserve to learn and work in an environment free from antisemitic hate,” said Rep. Way. “This bill ensures schools are places of learning, not battlegrounds for political indoctrination.”

The legislation is grounded in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, recognized by the U.S. Department of State. It safeguards classroom instruction on Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the State of Israel, while reaffirming protections for free speech under the First Amendment.

The act mandates that any report of antisemitic conduct be investigated by school or college officials within 30 days. If violations are found, they must be addressed promptly. Students and parents have the right to appeal unresolved complaints to school boards or the Arizona Board of Regents and may pursue legal action only after completing these administrative steps.

Representative Way emphasized the bill’s alignment with the House Republican Majority Plan, which prioritizes public safety and the fight against hate in Arizona’s education system. “This should be an easy decision for the governor,” he said. “The Legislature has done its job. The public supports this. Now it’s up to the governor to do hers and show that Arizona won’t tolerate antisemitism in public education.”

This legislative move comes amid a troubling national trend. In 2024, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States, marking a 5% increase from the previous year and the highest number since the organization began tracking such data 46 years ago. Notably, antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools rose by 135%, and nearly half of Jewish students in private schools reported experiencing antisemitism.

The federal government has responded with the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, launched in May 2023. This comprehensive plan includes over 100 actions to address the rise of antisemitism, focusing on increasing awareness, improving safety for Jewish communities, reversing the normalization of antisemitism, and building cross-community solidarity.

Arizona’s Antisemitism in Education Act reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to ensure that educational environments are free from hate and discrimination. As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, it stands as a potential model for other states grappling with similar challenges.