Missouri bill would require public schools to report antisemitic incidents

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Last year, the Anti-Defamation League sounded the alarm, saying antisemitic incidents are on the rise in Missouri.

Monday, Jewish advocates pushed for a bill that defines antisemitism and puts procedures and reporting requirements in place for Missouri public schools.

“In classes where I’ve been criticized directly or where I’ve been criticized even indirectly, it becomes shameful,” said Katherine Rose Ellenhorn.

High school senior Ellenhorn said after the events of Oct. 7, antisemitism rose in her private school. And while she has managed to succeed academically, she and her fellow Jewish students do not feel comfortable publicly embracing their identity.

“My educational experience hasn’t been hurt, but it’s definitely been altered,” said Ellenhorn.

At a Monday press conference, advocates pushed for passage of a bill aimed at protecting Jewish students.

“This bill would create a level playing field,” said Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, director of the Jewish Student Union.

House Bill 2061 defines what antisemitism is, treats antisemitism the same as racial harassment, and requires Missouri public schools and universities to report incidents.

“Shaming can be a very powerful tool,” said State Rep. George Hruza.

Hruza said the reporting requirements and the potential loss of funding for schools add teeth to the bill.

And while the bill states criticism of Israel, as long as it is similar to that of another country, does not qualify as antisemitic, First Alert 4 asked Hruza where the line is.

“To me it’s when it becomes more of an action-type situation, not when you’re just talking about it,” said Hruza.

Hruza said public, general statements of “From the River to the Sea” would not qualify under the bill, but they could in other circumstances.

“From the River to the Sea, if you are telling that to a Jewish student, who has nothing to do with anything in Israel, that becomes a problem,” said Hruza. “It’s when it affects the students directly.”

This comes as law enforcement continues to investigate a hate crime in Clayton last September after multiple cars were burned alongside graffiti that stated “DEATH TO THE IDF.”

A month later, Parkway Schools apologized after a Central High School student made a social media post that many considered antisemitic.

“Schools are kind of the first place that it happens,” said Ellenhorn.

Hruza, a Republican, teamed up with a Democrat on the bill. He said it has bipartisan support and that he is optimistic it can get through the General Assembly this year.