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Davis County adopts resolution condemning antisemitism, adopts IHRA working definition
Summary
Davis County Commissioners on June 9 unanimously approved a resolution condemning antisemitism and adopting the IHRA non‑binding working definition after a presentation urging the county to adopt the educational tool to help identify prejudice without restricting legitimate political speech.
Davis County Commissioners on June 9 approved RES #2026‑21, a resolution condemning antisemitism and adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) non‑binding working definition of antisemitism.
The resolution was introduced by Commission Chair John Crofts and approved by motion (mover: John Crofts; second: Lorene Kamalu). The minutes record the vote as "All present voted aye." The meeting began at 10:00 AM in the Davis County Administration Building in Farmington.
Lisa Katz, listed on the agenda as representing the Anti‑Defamation League and described in the presentation as the Chief Government Affairs Officer with the Combat Anti‑Semitism Movement, joined by phone to explain the IHRA working definition. She said defining antisemitism "is crucial to combating it effectively," and framed the definition as a non‑binding educational and policy tool intended to help officials and the public recognize when criticism of Israel or others crosses into prejudice, for example by holding Jewish individuals collectively responsible for foreign actions or repackaging ancient stereotypes.
Chair John Crofts said he supported adoption and told the commission: "In my view, this resolution should have been adopted months ago." He emphasized that adopting the definition does not preclude legitimate political debate but signals the county's stance against hate. Crofts also said he had witnessed conduct on county property he found troubling and urged leaders to call out vandalism, intimidation, and dehumanizing rhetoric.
Commissioner Lorene Kamalu seconded the motion and joined Crofts in support. The motion passed with all present voting in favor; Vice Chair Bob Stevenson was recorded earlier as excused for county business.
Why it matters: County adoption of the IHRA working definition is a formal statement of policy intent that county leaders said will serve as an educational tool for staff and the public to identify and respond to bias and hate incidents. Officials framed the action as non‑punitive and intended to protect free speech while clarifying when speech crosses into discriminatory conduct.
What’s next: The minutes note the resolution's approval; no additional follow‑up steps or implementation schedule were listed in the meeting minutes.
