PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has declined a proposal aimed at banning the teaching of reactivism to educators, a move that would impact the state’s public K-12 education system, colleges, and new regulations.
This proposal sought to prevent teachers and administrators from promoting anti-Semitic behavior that fosters a hostile environment, advocating genocide against any group, or compelling students to defend anti-Semitic views. Additionally, it aimed to restrict public schools from utilizing taxpayer funds to endorse teachings of anti-Semitism.
Under this proposal, educators would have been held financially accountable for any lawsuit resulting from their violation of these rules.
Democrat Hobbs stated on Tuesday that the bill was less about combating anti-Semitism and more about undermining educators.
“This would create unacceptably high levels of personal liability for educators and staff at public schools, community colleges, and universities, exposing them to potentially expensive litigation,” she noted in a statement. “Furthermore, it establishes a perilous precedent that disproportionally targets public school teachers while shielding private school personnel.”
Hobbs acknowledged the troubling issue of anti-Semitism in the United States, but suggested that students and parents should approach the state’s board of education to report any incidents of anti-Semitism.
The measure passed through Congress last week, receiving a 33-20 vote from the House of Representatives, with several Democrats crossing party lines to support it. This is just one of many initiatives aimed at tackling anti-Semitism nationwide.
Democrats were unsuccessful in removing legal references to anti-Semitism and “illegal discrimination” to address a broader scope of discrimination, nor did they eliminate provisions related to lawsuits.
Republican Rep. Michael Way of Queen Creek, who sponsored the bill, argued that his proposal would hold educators accountable for their ability to protect students from anti-Semitic behavior in light of the recent rise of anti-Semitism linked to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Opponents contend that the bill aims to muzzle those who wish to raise awareness about Palestinian oppression and exposes educators to personal legal risks, allowing students to file lawsuits. Parents of students over 18, as well as younger students, could file lawsuits for violations that lead to hostile educational environments, holding educators responsible for damages without state immunity against such judgments.
Last week, Lori Shepherd, executive director of the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center, expressed to Hobbs that if the bill were enacted, it could jeopardize the center’s ability to provide a comprehensive education on the Holocaust.
Under the bill, arguments that could be deemed “anti-Semitic” might be subject to interpretation, potentially disregarding intent or context, she pointed out.
The proposal included a mechanism to discipline those who breach the rules. In K-12 institutions, initial violations could lead to penalties, while a second offense might result in the suspension of a teacher or principal’s certification, and a third could lead to revocation of their license.
At the university level, the first infraction would lead to suspension, the second to a fine, and the third to termination. The proposal would also mandate that universities consider violations when making employment or tenure decisions.
Furthermore, the bill would prohibit universities from recognizing student organizations that promote anti-Semitism or inviting guest speakers who encourage such behavior.
In other parts of the U.S., lawmakers in Louisiana are advocating for resolutions urging universities to implement policies aimed at combating anti-Semitism on campus and to gather data on related complaints. Meanwhile, legislators in Michigan have proposed incorporating a definition of anti-Semitism into state civil rights laws.
Source: apnews.com