The proposed bill aims to prohibit antisemitism in public elementary and secondary schools as well as in state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas. It introduces a new subchapter under Arkansas Code Title 6, Chapter 16, which outlines legislative findings regarding the rise of antisemitic violence and discrimination in educational settings. The bill mandates that all K-12 schools and institutions of higher education address and prohibit antisemitic discrimination in the same manner as other forms of discrimination, such as those based on race. It also defines "antisemitism" according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition and encourages schools to incorporate antisemitism awareness training and Jewish-American heritage curriculum.
Additionally, the bill establishes monitoring requirements, including the designation of a Title VI Coordinator by the Department of Education to oversee complaints of antisemitic discrimination and harassment. Schools and institutions are required to report incidents to this coordinator, who will investigate and ensure compliance with the law. The bill emphasizes that criticism of Israel, when comparable to criticism of other countries, is not considered antisemitic, and it includes provisions to protect First Amendment rights. Overall, the legislation seeks to foster an educational environment that promotes understanding, tolerance, and respect for all students.