Tennessee applies International Definition of Antisemitism in law

The State of Tennessee has applied the International Definition of Antisemitism in law.

Governor Bill Lee signed bill HB 2673 into law, including a provision that prohibits the teaching of “antisemitic concepts”, empowering schools to use the Definition in cases of alleged antisemitism by students.

Though the records show that Jews had settled in Tennessee as early as the late 18th century, Jewish immigration to the state increased from the 1820s to the 1840s.

According to a 2020 survey, the Jewish population of Tennessee was 22,800, making up 0.3% of a total population of nearly seven million.

Campaign Against Antisemitism applauds Tennessee’s decision, which demonstrates the State’s solidarity with the Jewish community at this worrying time for Jews in around the world.

Britain was the first country in the world to adopt the International Definition, something for which Campaign Against Antisemitism and Lord Pickles worked hard over many meetings with officials at Downing Street. Tennessee joins a growing list of national and local governments and public bodies to use the Definition.

Image credit: Brent Moore