The state House Education Committee passed a bill that would ban any public school instruction deemed antisemitic.
Rabbi Pinchas Allouche says these protections are needed. He says criticizing Israel is not anti-Semitic, but some go too far.
"But genocidal chants of 'free Palestine,' 'River to the Sea,' any silent or verbal support of terrorist groups and actions, and any attack on Israel’s very right to exist are nothing but pure evil, disgusting and intolerable antisemitism," Allouche said.
Isela Blanc with the Arizona Education Association voiced concern that the penalties are too severe. The bill would give adult students, or parents of minor students, the right to take alleged violators to court.
"A student will be able to sue that educator out of their house and home," Blanc said. "And you tell me, who would want to stay in that classroom if that legislation becomes law?"
She says that’s especially concerning since the bill’s wording could have multiple interpretations.
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U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi's ruling means a Monday arraignment hearing for Kalshi has been called off. State prosecutors allege Kalshi is running an illegal gambling operation. -
Arizona Congressmen Andy Biggs and Greg Stanton joined forces this week to request the release of drought mitigation funding. -
The bill would make it illegal to fly a drone within a mile of a ticketed entertainment event at venues with at least 1,000 people capacity. -
Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to abandon its investigation into the state’s 2020 presidential election. -
The Republican-led Arizona Legislature is looking to ease the requirement that students be taught the relationship between mental and physical health, as well as other social and emotional learning.
