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Senate passes bill to adopt IHRA definition of antisemitism for public education policies
Summary
The Senate approved legislation to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into student and faculty codes of conduct and to require Title VI coordinators and annual reporting; debate included concerns about singling out antisemitism versus broader protections and speech around Israel.
The Tennessee Senate passed a bill (House Bill 11 88 as substituted) that requires public education institutions to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into student and employee conduct policies, designates Title VI coordinators for reporting, and mandates an annual report to the General Assembly.
Senator Rose, the bill’s sponsor, framed the measure as a targeted effort to deter antisemitic discrimination and harassment on K‑12 and higher‑education campuses. He told the chamber the legislation “defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition… including its contemporary examples” and directs the state Department of Education and governing boards to investigate and report antisemitic discrimination.
Debate split along multiple lines. Senator Campbell praised the effort to oppose antisemitism but said she was troubled that the chamber was emphasizing one form of hate while removing or limiting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in other contexts. She said she opposed singling out one category of bias while not addressing harms against other marginalized groups.
Senator Lamar said his “no” vote reflected broader foreign‑policy objections and moral concerns about recent events in the Middle East; he emphasized that his opposition was driven by concern over civilian casualties overseas rather than disagreement with opposing antisemitism on campus.
Other senators, including Senator Ackberry and Senator Yarbrough, argued the bill clarifies the difference between antisemitic harassment and legitimate criticism of Israel and that the measure helps protect Jewish students without chilling lawful speech. Senator Ackberry, who supported the legislation, said ‘‘two things can be true’’ — opposing antisemitism while also criticizing foreign policy.
After discussion and a roll call, the Senate recorded a constitutional majority in favor and declared the substituted House bill passed on final consideration.
What happens next: The bill requires governing boards to integrate the IHRA definition and to designate Title VI coordinators; the transcript shows an annual reporting requirement to the legislature and attorney general but does not record the timeline for implementation.
