In a pivotal session on March 25, 2025, the Oklahoma Senate passed two significant bills aimed at combating antisemitism and defining its parameters within educational institutions. Senate Bill 942, which establishes a proactive framework for addressing antisemitism in public schools and higher education, garnered strong support, passing with 31 votes in favor and 15 against. Senator Thompson, who championed the bill, emphasized the need for universities to reject support for terrorist organizations like Hamas, framing the legislation as a necessary step to discourage ethnic hatred.
Following this, Senate Bill 991 was introduced, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This bill aims to clarify what constitutes antisemitism, particularly in educational settings, and was also met with favorable votes, passing with 27 in favor and 15 opposed. Senator Thompson highlighted the collaboration with various Jewish organizations in crafting this legislation, underscoring the rising antisemitic acts and the importance of having a clear definition to effectively combat such issues.
During the discussions, concerns were raised about the potential for subjective interpretation of the definition, but Senator Thompson reassured that the bill specifically addresses antisemitism without infringing on legitimate criticism of Israel. The session concluded with a call for unity against antisemitism, marking a significant legislative step in Oklahoma's commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in its educational institutions.