Antisemitism law backed by GOP majorities, Democratic governor

(The Center Square) – Defining in North Carolina law a working definition of antisemitism has been accomplished by Republican majorities in the General Assembly and signed into law by its Democratic governor.

The SHALOM Act, as House Bill 942 is known, stands up to hate and leads “with our moral principles,” a definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. It includes “contemporary examples of antisemitism” as a tool and guide “for training, education, recognizing, and combating antisemitic hate crimes or discrimination and for tracking and reporting antisemitic incidents,” the legislation says.

It went effect immediately with Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature on Monday. He also signed legislation involving technical, clarifying and administrative changes.

The progressive campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s oldest public university, was roiled by Hamas-Israel protests in April. At one point, the United States flag flying on the famed Polk Place quad was taken down and replaced by the flag of Palestine.

Responsibility for the change was taken by the group Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of North Carolina. Responsibility for restoration of order, and Betsy Ross’ masterpiece going back up, was interim Chancellor Dr. Lee Roberts, Provost Dr. Christopher Clemens and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity.

Trespassing into campus buildings led to an order ending the protest encampment.

The university, founded Dec. 11, 1789, pledged a "joyous day" and celebration for the 229th commencement, and also said its actions before and after requiring the encampment be dismantled were consistent with previous demonstrations.

In a statement, Cooper said Monday, "Defining antisemitism is important to stopping it, and this new law helps do that as antisemitic incidents are on the rise. While we protect the right to free speech, this legislation helps to make our state a more welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone."

State Sens. Val Applewhite, D-Cumberland, and Graig Meyer, D-Orange, were against the bill in a 45-2 Senate decision. Reps. John Bradford, R-Mecklenburg, Dudley Greene, R-McDowell, and Neal Jackson, R-Randolph, were against in a 105-3 House approval.