The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ) today welcomed Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto of an anti-free speech bill that would allow students and their parents to sue teachers over allegations of antisemitism.
In her veto statement, Governor Hobbs said that the bill is “not about antisemitism,” but rather about “attacking our teachers.” She said the bill puts “an unacceptable level of personal liability in place for our public school, community college, and university educators and staff, opening them up to threats of personally costly lawsuits.” The bill included a provision that used the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism, and was opposed by several Jewish organizations.
SEE: Arizona governor vetoes controversial antisemitism bill
Arizona governor vetoes bill banning teaching of antisemitism | AP News
“The purpose of this bill is not to prevent antisemitism, but rather to restrict the free speech of teachers and stifle critical discussion of Israel’s genocide in Gaza,” said CAIR-AZ Executive Director Azza Abuseif. “We thank Governor Hobbs for vetoing this bill.”
She noted that CAIR has previously opposed similar legislation that codifies the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com