Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed a new executive order aimed at combating antisemitism across the state’s education system. “We has seen just a ridiculous, unacceptable surge of antisemitism across out nation, across Nebraska and in our high schools and our universities,” Pillen says. “In Nebraska, we do not tolerate hate in any form.”
Pillen announced the order Friday alongside Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly, state senators and Jewish community and faith leaders. The measure requires Nebraska public schools and colleges to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and report antisemitic incidents to the governor each year by September first.
The order also directs the Nebraska Department of Education to provide schools with professional development resources and curriculum materials related to the Holocaust, the State of Israel, and Jewish American history.
The executive order builds on earlier actions by the governor, including requiring state agencies to use the IHRA definition when investigating discrimination complaints. Adam Beren with the Combat Antisemitism Movement says social media has contributed to growing antisemitic attitudes among young people, while Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO Bob Goldberg says the order moves Nebraska from “reaction to prevention” through education and accountability.
Religious leaders attending the signing also emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedom and standing against hate directed at any faith community.