Lansing, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – After several days of consideration and more than two dozen instances of encampments across universities in the U.S., the Michigan senate passed a resolution banning antisemitism.
On Tuesday, the chamber passed a resolution from State Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton), which gained bipartisan support.
“Antisemitism will forever be a stain on human history,” said Theis, R-Brighton. “We’re seeing a rise in hateful behavior toward the Jewish community in recent months, and it’s a problem that is plaguing college campuses across the country, including here in Michigan. Not only is it a stain on human history, but it is also an active threat to our present and future.”
Senate Resolution 113 formally recognized April 29, 2024, as “End Jew-Hatred Day” in Michigan.
Within the resolution, it recognizes that for millenia, Jewish people have sustained “shared religious, cultural, and ethnic identity and traditions in the face of enslavement, persecution, genocide, segregation, and discrimination,” the resolution said.
SR 113 goes on to acknowledge that hate crimes directed at the Jewish community have been increasing in recent years, and it is the public’s “obligation to condemn and combat Jewish hatred in all forms.”
State Senator Theis expressed her appreciation about how the resolution was favorably received.
“I’m happy to see the importance of this issue being recognized with the respect and seriousness it deserves,” Theis said in a statement. “We sent a strong message of support today, and I think that’s important as we continue to fight antisemitism and for the civil rights of Jews, both in Michigan and in America.”
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For a full copy of the resolution, see here.
Michigan House Chamber plans to introduce a similar resolution.
State Representative Donni Steele (R-Orion Township) shared why it’s important to consider the resolution in the House chamber.
“Jewish people, especially students, are facing heightened attacks across our state. It is our responsibility as an elected body to reject all those who choose to spew hate at our Jewish friends and neighbors,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “The Senate was able to stand together as a single body and reject Jewish hate. I hope my colleagues in the House can join me and do the same.”
State Rep. Steele drew attention to the more than 120 students camped at the University of Michigan Diag, and how similar encampments exist at other Michigan schools including: Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and Northern Michigan University spaces on campus.
She also acknowledged the protest ongoing at Columbia University in New York which included a number of arrests, and the university canceling most in-person classes for the rest of the semester due to fear of future violence.
“A significant portion of our community is Jewish, so I often hear about the fear and concern many Jewish people face. While I may not share their faith, it is my responsibility to speak up in defense of all communities I represent,” Steele said. “All people deserve a safe place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family. As leaders, we must condemn small bands of radical protestors making blatant threats against Israel and all Jewish people. When any community is being threatened, I hope that the Legislature will always be able to stand together in their defense.”
Rep. Steele plans to introduce her resolution in the legislature by the end of the week.
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