Governor Greg Abbott is taking additional action to address the rise in antisemitic incidents occurring on college campuses and in public schools as Passover begins on Monday.
Texas Governor Abbott has taken decisive action to address the safety of Jewish students on college campuses. Through an executive order, he has mandated that all higher education institutions in Texas follow a set of requirements aimed at ensuring their well-being. These requirements include a thorough review of free speech policies, the establishment of appropriate consequences for antisemitic rhetoric, the enforcement of policies addressing the alarming increase in antisemitic acts, and the inclusion of a clear definition of antisemitism in free speech policies. To ensure accountability, the chair of the board of regents for each Texas public university system must provide examples of compliance to the governor’s office within 90 days. This proactive approach demonstrates Governor Abbott’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
Abbott remains committed to addressing the issue of antisemitism in Texas. Recently, Rice University in Houston was ranked as one of the worst colleges in the state in terms of antisemitism. Additionally, a federal Title VI complaint was filed against the Dallas Independent School District, accusing them of harassment and discrimination against Jewish students. While not specifically related to college campuses, there have been allegations made against leaders at Hillcrest High School as well as other public schools in Texas.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, there are currently 133 elementary-secondary and post-secondary institutions being investigated for discrimination based on shared ancestry. As of April 16, three of these institutions are located in Texas: Carroll ISD in Southlake, Irving ISD in Irving, and Spring Branch ISD in Houston.
Law enforcement officials have stated that Passover, starting on Monday, is a time of heightened alertness. Given Iran’s recent attacks on Israel, warnings from the FBI director about potential Islamic terrorist attacks, and the targeting of Jewish Americans, law enforcement is taking extra precautions.
In recent incidents of antisemitic violence in Texas, U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz’s office was targeted and vandalized by individuals showing support for Hamas. Additionally, in January 2022, a Pakistani Islamist held Jewish parishioners hostage at a synagogue in Colleyville.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his unwavering stance against antisemitism and vowed to take decisive action to combat it. He emphasized that antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas and reaffirmed his solidarity with Israel and the Jewish community. Abbott acknowledged the concerning rise in acts of antisemitism nationwide, attributing it to the tragic attack by Hamas on October 7th.
Texas responded promptly to safeguard Jewish schools, synagogues, and other vital establishments following the attacks. Governor Abbott, however, emphasizes the need for further measures. He highlights that although numerous Texas universities and colleges swiftly condemned antisemitism, “certain extremist groups on our campuses resorted to actions that are incompatible with our Texan values.” As a result, he is implementing additional measures to guarantee the safety of the Jewish community on college campuses, ensuring they remain secure environments.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has included the oversight of antisemitism on Texas college campuses as one of the 57 interim charges for the state legislature to address. The Higher Education Committee is tasked with reviewing the issue of anti-Semitism and free speech on college campuses this year. The committee will then present its findings to the legislature for consideration in the coming year.
Abbott has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in Texas. One of these measures includes urging public schools to make use of additional resources provided by the Texas Education Agency. These resources aim to enhance awareness and understanding of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Texas has a strong partnership with Israel that encompasses various areas, including agricultural research and development, science and technology, and the export of goods worth over $1 billion to Israel, according to The Center Square.
State law prohibits state agencies from investing in companies that engage in a boycott against Israel.
The Texas Comptroller recently issued a reminder to businesses regarding Texas’ Israel boycott list. It is worth noting that Texas has also invested $20 million in Israel bonds.
In a recent development, the Texas legislature has allocated over $4 million in grants to provide crucial support to 31 Jewish organizations for the purpose of enhancing their security measures. This significant funding aims to strengthen the safety and protection of these institutions.
The Texas Department of Public Safety remains in close coordination with local and federal law enforcement agencies to implement enhanced security measures. Texans are encouraged to utilize iWatch, a free and anonymous platform, to report any suspicious activity. Reports can be submitted through the online portal, the mobile application, or by calling 844-643-2251.
