Missouri House Bill HB746

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Provides protections against discrimination and antisemitism in public schools and public postsecondary educational institutions

Impact

The implications of HB746 on state laws are significant, primarily enhancing civil rights protections in educational settings. By explicitly categorizing antisemitic acts within existing frameworks of discrimination, the bill helps unify the legal approach toward various forms of bias. It encourages educational institutions to engage with training programs and curricula that promote awareness and education regarding Jewish history and experiences. This not only addresses current discrimination but aims to prevent future issues through education.

Summary

House Bill 746 aims to provide robust protections against antisemitism and discrimination within public educational institutions in Missouri. The bill introduces new sections to the Missouri Revised Statutes that define antisemitism in line with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition. It mandates that all educational institutions incorporate these definitions into their policies, ensuring a firm approach to addressing, reporting, and prohibiting antisemitic acts. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for codes of conduct to include penalties for any harassment or discrimination against Jewish individuals.

Contention

This legislation may provoke debate concerning the parameters of free speech, as it seeks to navigate the complex balance between protecting individuals from discrimination while upholding the First Amendment rights. Critics may argue that the definitions outlined in the bill could infringe upon free expression related to criticisms of Israel, although the bill asserts that such criticisms should not be misconstrued as antisemitic. This aspect of the bill may lead to discussions regarding the definitions of hate speech versus legitimate political expression.