Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed legislation on April 9 codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism into state law.
“It is hereby declared that antisemitism and antisemitic acts are against the public policy of this state, including, but not limited to, the purposes of public educational institutions and law enforcement agencies in this state,” the bill text states.
In addition to codifying the definition into state statute, the bill states that acts can be labeled as antisemitic if they encourage, support, praise, participate in or threaten “violence or vandalism against Jewish people or property.”
Additionally, “wearing masks to conceal a person’s identity with the intent to harass or discriminate against Jewish students, faculty or employees on school property” and “incorporating or allowing funding of antisemitic curriculum or activities in any domestic or study abroad programs or classes” also constitute antisemitism.
The bill, supported by the Combat Antisemitism Movement, passed the Kansas state Senate and House last month. While this marks the first codification of the IHRA antisemitism definition in Kansas statute, the state legislature adopted the IHRA definition in 2022.
“The Jewish community seeks the same thing every other minority and historically discriminated group seek—the ability to live in peace while being able to practice our religion and culture,” David Soffer, CAM’s director of state engagement, said when testifying before the Kansas House Committee on Education in February.
