House approves measure to adopt IHRA guidance for schools amid free‑speech concerns
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Summary
HB 20‑61, which incorporates the IHRA working definition of antisemitism for public schools and ties enforcement to Title VI, passed the House after floor debate over whether the bill could chill criticism of Israel; vote was 109–21.
The House voted to adopt House Bill 20‑61 on third reading, a bill intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students by directing K–12 and higher‑education institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies consistent with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Sponsor (gentleman from Saint Louis County) argued the bill provides clarity for schools and law enforcement to distinguish bullying from antisemitic harassment, saying "Jewish students should be able to go to school without fear for their safety." He noted endorsements by several Jewish organizations and law‑enforcement groups and said incorporating the IHRA working definition is a widely accepted tool.
Opponents emphasized the bill’s potential to chill speech. The lady from Saint Louis City warned the IHRA contemporary examples focus heavily on criticism of the state of Israel and argued, "This bill will lead to many lawsuits ... It will create an atmosphere where ... students and teachers will decide to just be quiet about what they think they know." Other members sought clarification about how Title VI and the bill’s language would interact.
After extended debate and several inquiries, the House approved HB 20‑61 as amended; the clerk recorded the yeas 109, nays 21 and declared the bill third read and passed.