Davis County commissioners consider countywide resolution condemning antisemitism; staff to coordinate with cities and COG
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Summary
At a March 3 work session commissioners discussed a draft resolution condemning antisemitism and referenced state actions (HB 549, HCR 15) and the IHRA working definition; commissioners supported working with the Council of Governments and cities and asked staff to refine language for consideration at an upcoming meeting.
A Davis County commissioner introduced a draft county resolution on March 3 urging that antisemitism "have no place in Davis County" and asked staff and the county attorney to refine the language for formal consideration.
The commissioner said the draft, prepared with legal input, would set a countywide standard for identifying antisemitic conduct in county operations, communications and incident response, and recommend staff training and interagency coordination. He cited recent state developments — House Bill 549, concurrent resolution HCR 15 and a 2022 executive proclamation endorsing the IHRA definition — as context for the request.
Neil Geddes of the county attorney's office noted that the IHRA definition describes antisemitism as "a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews" and includes rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at individuals, community institutions and religious facilities. Commissioners discussed whether the county should adopt a resolution specific to antisemitism or broaden the language to condemn all forms of religious- and identity-based hatred.
Several commissioners and staff urged collaboration with the Wasatch Front Regional Council (COG) and individual cities; one commissioner suggested timing a coordinated adoption around May’s Holocaust remembrance period to maximize visibility and consistency across jurisdictions. Commissioners also discussed making the statement inclusive (covering other religions or belief systems) while retaining emphasis on antisemitism.
No formal vote was taken. Commissioners directed staff and the county attorney to work with the COG and city partners, and to return with a revised draft and suggested placement on a future agenda for formal action.