ASU Student Gov’t Passes Resolution Adopting IHRA Definition of Anti-Semitism

Arizona State University’s (ASU) student government passed a resolution on Sept. 15 adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism.

The resolution passed 15-1 with three abstentions. The Journal obtained a copy, which stated that “Jewish students on campus have repeatedly faced antisemitic slanders and hate speech by outside provocateurs and leaders of official student organizations.” The resolution cited as an example flyers found on campus on Aug. 30 stating, “Hitler was right.”

It went on to note that the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism is defined as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

“The Undergraduate Student Government of Tempe unreservedly condemns all acts of racism, bigotry, and violence against the Jewish community, both on and off the Tempe campus,” the resolution stated. “The Undergraduate Student Government of Tempe stands by the Jewish community and condemns all acts of racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination against members of the student body.”

ASU is the biggest university (by in-person enrollment) in the state; its main campus is in Tempe.

The resolution also called on the university to adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism and for ASU President Michael Crow to issue a public statement denouncing recent instances of anti-Semitism on campus.

Jewish groups on campus, including ASU’s Chabad, Hillel and Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, issued a statement lauding the passage of the resolution.

“This is a welcome signal that Jewish students are heard and recognized by their peers and that our experiences with antisemitism on campus are going to be taken seriously and dealt with,” the statement read. “As one of the largest communities at ASU, we consistently aim to bring greater equity and inclusion to our community through leadership development, racial justice, civic engagement, and interfaith initiatives. We are eager to continue building and deepening partnerships with students across our greater ASU community.”

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Students Supporting Israel (SSI) President at ASU Koral Zaarur similarly said in a statement, “Calling on the university to adopt the IHRA definition was perhaps our biggest victory, as we secured a concrete definition for what antisemitism is, and what forms of anti-zionism and anti-israel propaganda is antisemitic. I am proud to have been a part of making this a reality and making our university a safe space for not only the class of Jewish students currently enrolled, but all Jewish students that will be enrolled at ASU in the future. We look forward to having a safe space on our campus and knowing that the university stands behind our community.”

The IHRA currently has 34 members, including the United States and Israel.