Bill aiming to prohibit antisemitic actions in public schools heads to Governor’s desk

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- A House Bill aiming to combat antisemitism in Missouri's public schools and universities is heading to the Governor's desk

H.B. 2061 provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions.

The bill is sponsored by St. Louis State Representative George Hruza (R-89). The Senate substitute for H.B. 2061 was passed by both chambers Thursday morning.

The bill defines the term "antisemitism" and requires public schools work that definition into codes of conduct, prohibiting antisemitic conduct by treating it the same way as race discrimination- prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability or marital status.

It also requires Title VI coordinators at the state Board of Education and Coordinating Board for Higher Education to monitor antisemitic discrimination and harassment.

In addition, the legislation also bars educational institutions from creating registries or databases of students based on religious or political views, opinions or expressions, protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions.