On April 14, 2022, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2022-06D, requiring all state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions, including all public colleges and universities, to adopt the definition of antisemitism endorsed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (“IHRA”), or an appropriate alternative, and encouraging all federal and local governments and governmental agencies and entities to do the same.
The IHRA definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” This definition, which has become the internationally recognized and authoritative definition for use by governments and international organizations, clarifies the definition in DeWine’s previous Executive Order 20l9-05D “Anti-Discrimination Policy in State Government”.
Unlawful and inappropriate discriminatory practices in State government are, of course, prohibited. The order states that, “In reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts…all State agencies…shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism set forth above for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by discriminatory antisemitic intent.”
The Executive Order further provides that the DeWine Administration is committed to combatting the rise of antisemitism in the United States, considering that: 1) Jews, according to FBI statistics, are consistently the most likely of all religious groups to be victimized by incidents of hate, 2) antisemitic incidents have increased in recent years, and 3) students in particular continue to face antisemitic harassment in schools and on college campuses.
To read the Executive Order, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always-changing Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.