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The Nebraska Legislature Education Committee held a hearing on Monday where a new bill — LB 538 — to address and prohibit antisemitic discrimination in the state’s public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education was presented.
The legislation, introduced by State Senator Brian Hardin, defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, including its 11 contemporary examples, which was adopted by the state in 2023; requires Nebraska’s K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions to adopt policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination, including antisemitism; and designates the position of a Title VI coordinator to monitor and review incidents of discrimination at public schools and take corrective action when discrimination occurs.
“LB 538 takes a firm and necessary stand against discrimination, including antisemitism, in our public schools and universities,” Senator Hardin said in his testimony on Monday. “This is not just about one group, or one issue. This about ensuring that all students and educators in Nebraska have the right to learn and work in an environment free from hatred, harassment, and prejudice.”
“This bill ensures that antisemitism is recognized, addressed, and treated just as seriously as any other form of hate or bigotry,” Senator Hardin emphasized. “This is not a partisan issue. It’s a matter of fundamental fairness and decency. Just as we would not tolerate racism or sexism in our schools, we cannot turn a blind eye to antisemitism, which is often ignored or dismissed.”
The legislation is supported by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), and CAM Founder Adam Beren spoke before the committee at Monday’s hearing.
“LB 538 is a timely and critical bill that responds to the current needs of K-20 students, especially Jewish students who are facing an unprecedented situation,” Beren said. “Passage of this bill will demonstrate Nebraska is taking a significant step toward affirming its commitment to combating hatred in all forms while ensuring the safety and dignity of its Jewish community. Let’s be proactive, and keep antisemitism out of Nebraska and the Midwest, and send a clear message to the rest of the country that antisemitism will not be tolerated.”
Noah Lederman, a Jewish student at Columbia University, traveled to Nebraska to share personal stories about his brushes with on-campus antisemitism in the aftermath of the October 7th massacre in Israel 16 months ago.
“LB 538 is a critical step toward ensuring that antisemitism, and all forms of antisemitism, will not be tolerated,” Lederman said. “By adopting this bill, Nebraska can lead the way for other states to recognize and address antisemitism on par with all other forms of hate-based discrimination. It’s not just about protecting Jewish students. It’s about creating a consistent and fair framework that safeguards every student’s right to a safe and respectful education experience.”
Leah Abrahamsson, a Jewish student at the University of Colorado, said, “We can no longer face outright antisemitism and hatefulness alone.”
“This bill would help us feel less alone, less scared, and less targeted,” she added. “We are fighting to be heard, protected, and supported, not just Jewish students, but every minority. Schools need to be safe places for all students, and that starts by standing up against antisemitism and making sure education is not synonymous with hate crimes.”
Other speakers in favor of the legislation included local representatives of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
After Monday’s hearing, the bill now moves to the next stage of the legislative approval process.
CAM is leading an organized effort to engage and educate state legislators across the United States on antisemitism-related issues and potential policy remedies, such as the bill now under consideration in Nebraska.
The text of LB 538 can be read in full HERE.
