This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 by adding a new section that establishes special provisions for the 2025-2026 school year regarding antisemitism on university campuses in Pennsylvania. Specifically, it stipulates that any university that authorizes or supports events promoting antisemitism will be ineligible for state funding during the academic year in which such events occur. Furthermore, if a university has received state funding prior to supporting an antisemitic event, it must refund the Commonwealth for that funding. The bill also mandates that any violations be reported to the State Board of Education, which will hold a hearing to evaluate the situation and determine funding penalties.
The bill defines antisemitism in detail, outlining various forms it may take, including hate speech, dehumanizing allegations, and denial of historical events such as the Holocaust. It also clarifies what constitutes "funding" and provides a definition for "university" as per existing law. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.
Statutes/Laws affected: Printer's No. 75 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.30, No.14
Printer's No. 0075: P.L.30, No.14