Pennsylvania HB 353: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, providing for public institution of higher education policy on antisemitism.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 307
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 353
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MARCELL, GLEIM, GROVE, KENYATTA, KUZMA,
M. MACKENZIE, MALAGARI AND SCHEUREN, JANUARY 27, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 27, 2025
AN ACT
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An
act relating to the public school system, including certain
provisions applicable as well to private and parochial
schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the
laws relating thereto," in miscellaneous provisions relating
to institutions of higher education, providing for public
institution of higher education policy on antisemitism.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known
as the Public School Code of 1949, is amended by adding a
section to read:
Section 2005-I. Public institution of higher education policy
on antisemitism.
(a) Duty to adopt.--In order to receive State funding, a
public institution of higher education must adopt a clear and
understandable written policy prohibiting antisemitism among
faculty, staff and students.
(b) Required contents.--A public institution of higher
education shall adopt, as part of its code of conduct relating
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to discrimination and harassment, a definition of the terms
"discrimination" and "harassment," which definitions shall
include antisemitism and examples of antisemitic activity.
(c) As used in this section, the following words and phrases
shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Antisemitism." A certain perception of Jewish individuals,
which may be expressed as hatred toward Jewish individuals,
including rhetorical or physical manifestations directed toward
Jewish or non-Jewish individuals or their property, or toward
Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.
"Public institution of higher education." Any of the
following:
(1) A community college operating under Article XIX-A.
(2) A rural regional college established under Article
XIX-G.
(3) A university within the State System of Higher
Education under Article XX-A.
(4) A State-related institution as defined in section
2001-C.
(5) The Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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