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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Gov. Katie Hobbs has issued a proclamation making July 15 Native Right to Vote Day in Arizona. -
Public school advocates are suing over descriptions of two separate ballot measures related to Arizona’s school voucher program approved last week by state lawmakers. -
Critics have said the Golden Dome as proposed would be too expensive to operate and ineffective against cheaply made weapons like drones and short-range missiles. -
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors passed a unanimous resolution on Wednesday banning county employees from using insider information to make bets on prediction markets. -
The state's chief election official has a message for the Department of Justice: We don't need to be reminded to comply with laws ensuring only citizens cast a ballot in Arizona. And, no, we don't need your help.
