OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two measures aimed at combating antisemitism in public schools and universities. Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, carried both Senate Bill 942 and Senate Bill 991 on the House floor.

“These pieces of legislation intentionally focus on clarifying what antisemitism looks like, because for too long, this community has lived in a space of uncertainty without clear protections,” Gise said. “By putting a definition into law, we’re helping ensure that harmful acts are no longer overlooked or misunderstood."

As a former student leader with Sooners for Israel, Gise saw firsthand the harassment and isolation Jewish students endured simply for expressing their identity, an experience that left a lasting impression and continues to fuel her commitment to this work.

"With the passage of Senate Bill 991 and Senate Bill 942, Oklahoma is taking a firm, unapologetic stand: hate has no home here," Gise said. "These measures bring clarity, accountability, and protection, ensuring that antisemitism is no longer ignored but addressed with the seriousness it deserves. I’m proud to stand with our Jewish neighbors and to help build a future where every student can feel safe, seen and supported."

SB942 requires public schools and higher education institutions to integrate the definition of antisemitism into their codes of conduct and include antisemitism awareness in training programs for students and staff. The legislation ensures that antisemitism is addressed with the same urgency and seriousness as racial discrimination.

In addition, the House also approved SB991, which adopts the non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The IHRA definition is to be used as a guiding framework for training, education and the recognition and tracking of antisemitic incidents and hate crimes throughout the state.

Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, the Senate author of both bills, expressed her strong support for the measures’ advancement and said she is encouraged by their passage in the House.

"Today’s vote sent a loud and clear message: Oklahoma will not tolerate antisemitism," Thompson said. "I’m grateful to the members who had the moral clarity to support these bills. Those who voted no actively chose to oppose protections for Jewish students and ignore the very real threats they face every day."

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, also praised the passage of SB942 and SB991.

“These bills are a declaration that hate has no place in our classrooms, on our campuses or in our communities,” said Hilbert. 

SB942 and SB991 are now headed to the governor’s desk.