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 must 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 requires schools to adopt policies that include this definition and outline prohibited conduct related to antisemitism.
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 encouraged to incorporate antisemitism awareness training and Jewish-American heritage curriculum into their programs. The bill also includes exceptions to ensure that it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights or conflict with existing discrimination laws, clarifying that criticism of Israel, when comparable to criticism of other countries, is not considered antisemitic.