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Senate approves bill to prohibit antisemitism in K‑12 and state colleges after debate
Summary
Senate Bill 3 52, intended to prohibit antisemitism in public K‑12 schools and state‑supported colleges, passed the Arkansas Senate after floor debate over whether singling out one group is appropriate. The measure passed 29-4 with two senators recorded as present.
The Arkansas Senate on March 13 approved Senate Bill 3 52, which the sponsor described as a measure to prohibit antisemitism in public elementary and secondary schools and in state‑supported institutions of higher education.
Sponsor Senator Stone said the bill establishes “guardrails” for how schools would address antisemitism. Several senators voiced strong support; others questioned why the bill singles out one form of discrimination rather than addressing discrimination more broadly.
Senator Tucker and others said they opposed antisemitism and stood against discrimination but raised the policy question of whether a single‑group statute was the best approach. Senator Sullivan and others said the bill’s text expressly opposes all discrimination while calling out antisemitism for specific definition and handling; Sullivan said he would support similarly worded measures for other groups if members sought to file them.
Senator Clark, a floor supporter, said he has seen harassment and violence directed at Jewish students on U.S. campuses and said the bill addresses those patterns. Clark, who identified as a lifelong NAACP member, said he supported the measure.
After debate, the Senate voted by roll call; the tally recorded 29 yes, 4 no and 2 present. The measure will be sent to the House for consideration.
