Indiana Lawmakers Divided Over Antisemitism Bill On College Campuses

Tasneem Nada speaks about an Indiana bill to address antisemitism on college campuses, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Indianapolis. The heart of most opposition leveled against the bill from pro-Palestin

Indiana lawmakers are facing disagreements that may hinder the passage of a bill aimed at addressing antisemitism on college campuses for the second consecutive year. The proposed legislation, House Bill 1002, was a top priority for Indiana House Republicans this session, particularly focusing on higher education. The bill broadly defines antisemitism as religious discrimination and pledges to ensure educational environments free from such discrimination.

The House bill utilized the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which includes 'contemporary examples of antisemitism' related to Israel. However, state senators recently passed an amended version of the bill that removed references to Israel, sparking debate among critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza.

While opponents argued that direct references to Israel could suppress criticism of the country and advocacy for Palestinians, supporters in the House are pushing to restore the original language. This divide between the chambers mirrors a similar situation from the previous year when a similar bill failed to advance in the Senate after passing unanimously in the House.

The bill uses the IHRA definition of antisemitism, including Israel-related examples.

House Bill 1002 aims to combat antisemitism in higher education.

State senators removed Israel references, sparking debate and division.

Opponents fear suppression of criticism of Israel, while supporters seek restoration.

Students have mixed reactions to the bill's changes and impact on campus.

Maya Wasserman and Mikayla Kaplan advocate for Israel references in the bill.

Yaqoub Saadeh appreciates the bill's amended version for promoting open dialogue.

The bill is in a conference committee for reconciliation between chambers.

National context and recent conflicts add urgency to the Indiana bill debate.

The bill's fate remains uncertain as lawmakers work to find common ground.

For students on Indiana campuses, the bill's progress comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Some students welcome the Senate's changes, viewing them as a relief after weeks of protests against the bill. However, others feel that removing references to Israel is a betrayal and leaves them feeling unheard by lawmakers.

Students like Maya Wasserman and Mikayla Kaplan, representing different perspectives, emphasize the importance of including examples that reference Israel in the bill to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students on campus. Meanwhile, Yaqoub Saadeh, a Palestinian student, appreciates the amended bill for allowing more open dialogue without fear of stifling criticism of Israel.

The bill is now in a conference committee where lawmakers from both chambers will work to reconcile differences before the session ends. The broader national context of defining antisemitism in various states, fueled by recent conflicts in the Middle East, adds urgency to the debate surrounding the Indiana bill.