By Howard Fischer | AZ Capitol Times
Key Points:
- A bill to allow lawsuits against teachers accused of antisemitism is one vote away from passing Legislature
- Opponents warn punishment against criticism of Israel threatens teacher rights, free speech
- Supporters argue it’s necessary in the wake of increased antisemitic behavior nationally
Arizona lawmakers are one vote away from adopting legislation to allow lawsuits against individual teachers accused of teaching or promoting antisemitism.
House Bill 2867 would create a first-of-its-kind law in Arizona that would make them personally liable for financial damages sought by the person who sues.
Rep. Michael Way said he crafted the legislation in response to a series of allegedly antisemitic incidents following the October 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas that left more than 1,000 dead.
