Senate committee backs resolution urging Kentucky universities to adopt IHRA definition and anti‑antisemitism measures

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Senate Committee on Education unanimously approved Senate Joint Resolution 55, a resolution directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to adopt policies combatting antisemitism, notify students of relevant civil-rights protections and reporting paths, and disband student organizations that provide material support to designated terrorist organizations.

Senator Tichenor, who carried the resolution, told the committee the measure responds to a documented spike in antisemitic incidents after Oct. 7 and seeks to ensure universities adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and create clear complaint and reporting processes. "All the governing boards of Kentucky post secondary institutions shall adopt policies to combat antisemitism that include the definition of antisemitism according to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance," Tichenor said.

The resolution asks universities to notify students of rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and to explain the state's civil cause of action under KRS 344.450 (as cited in testimony) for remedies where rights are violated. The draft also requires institutions to identify recognized Jewish student organizations and list them as community resources and to report aggregated antisemitism data to the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) for posting and interim reporting to Legislature committees.

Testimony in support described a range of antisemitic incidents reported on Kentucky campuses, including harassment, vandalism, threats, and statements by some university employees praising violence or expressing Holocaust denial, which witnesses said went unaddressed by university administrations. Robert Litzman, chairman of the Kentucky Jewish Council and director of the Chabad Jewish Student Center at the University of Kentucky, said administrators sometimes deny the problem. "The issue of antisemitism on campus is a national one, and Kentucky is no exception," Litzman said, recounting multiple incidents and asserting some campuses have not adequately responded.

Several committee members asked whether existing federal civil‑rights law is sufficient and whether the resolution would add enforcement teeth. Tichenor and other supporters said the resolution does not create new law but instead asks institutions to apply existing law and the IHRA definition, to gather data, and to notify students of how to file complaints. The resolution also includes a reporting requirement to CPE and interim legislative committees; sponsors said they are open to further amendments on accountability mechanisms.

A motion to pass SJR 55 was made by Senator Wise and seconded by Senator Rawlings; the committee approved the resolution by unanimous vote. "Senate joint resolution 55 passes unanimously with favorable expression," the chair said. The resolution will be sent to the full Senate for consideration.