--- title: Senate Higher Education Committee, February 24, 2026 collection: meetings id: 2026-02-24/senate-higher-education cite_as: Senate Higher Education Committee, February 24, 2026, video https://vimeo.com/1167875415 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1167875415 date: 2026-02-24 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/house-defense-and-veterans-affairs.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/house-special-rules.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate Higher Education Committee body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-higher-education.md meeting_kind: committee session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-02-24T16:00:00-05:00 location: 307 CLOB duration_seconds: 3562.0 video_id: 1167875415 video_title: 02/24/2026 Senate Committee on Higher Education agenda_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HEDAgenda2.24.26.pdf bills_discussed: - SB 523 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 304 transcript_chars: 62917 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education.md?start=59911 --- # Senate Higher Education Committee, February 24, 2026 Senate Higher Education Committee; February 24, 2026; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1167875415. Agenda: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HEDAgenda2.24.26.pdf. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The committee heard [SB 523](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb523), which the sponsor said would create statewide coordinators to handle discrimination complaints in public schools and public higher education. Public testimony focused on equal protection for all faiths, free speech, staffing and fair investigation procedures. The committee rejected an amendment explicitly naming additional religious and nonreligious groups. It then approved the bill without amendment, with the final vote announced as 5 in favor and 1 against. The sponsor and chair said more work remained as the bill moved forward. ## Bills discussed (1) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### SB 523. Education; public schools and postsecondary educational institutions to consider antisemitism in the same manner as discrimination based on religion; authorize [SB 523](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb523) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:08:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=520s), turns 8 to 302. The sponsor said the bill would create two statewide Title VI coordinators, covering public K-12 schools and public higher education, to investigate discrimination complaints, require corrective action within 30 days, refer unresolved violations to federal agencies and report annually. The sponsor expected minimal costs through existing staff and cited antisemitic harassment and vandalism as reasons for action. A Georgia Solidarity Network witness supported consistent complaint handling and specialized expertise. Asked whether criticism of Israel could trigger enforcement, that witness distinguished government criticism from challenges to Israel’s existence. The sponsor cited First Amendment protections and said the bill retained Georgia’s existing antisemitism definition. A committee member noted that the definition also included 11 examples omitted from the sponsor’s reading. A parent, Georgia Muslim Voter Project witness and Presbyterian minister sought explicit equal protection for all faiths. A CAIR Georgia witness opposed the current text, citing a reported 520% increase in Georgia complaints from 2020 to 2025. A Jewish witness and ACLU of Georgia counsel warned about chilling political speech. A neutral Intercultural Development Research Association witness sought staffing, training, immediate support and retaliation protections. An Asian American Advocacy Fund witness requested consistent evidence standards and fair investigation procedures; the chair suggested agencies could develop implementation details. The committee rejected an amendment explicitly naming additional faiths and atheists. After correcting the count, the chair announced passage without amendment, 5-1. The sponsor said education agencies had requested edits and further changes remained possible. > The transcript runs 62,917 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 2 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-higher-education.md?start=59911. ## Transcript (304 turns) [0:08:10](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=490s) A word of prayer. I'm gonna ask Senator Summers, would you mind offering a word of prayer? You're down on 16. [0:08:16](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=496s) Oh, yeah, I remember. [0:08:17](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=497s) I know you were. I was tr- I was picking you out, Senator. [0:08:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=499s) The end is alive. [0:08:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=500s) 16? [0:08:21](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=501s) 16, yes, sir. [0:08:22](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=502s) You keep praying for brevity, Senator. [0:08:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=504s) Absolutely. Pray with me, everybody. Our gracious, kindly Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for the blessings You send our way. We thank You every day for the bread of life in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let us do the right thing. In Jesus' name, amen. [0:08:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=515s) Amen. Thank you, Senator. Uh, we have one bill on the agenda this afternoon, Senate Bill 523 from Senator Goodman. Uh, this is a bill that has generated a great deal of interest, and I'm grateful for that. I want to thank those of you who are, uh, here today to share your input on the bill. I want to give a, a few quick ground rules about how we want to try to work through this process. I'm gonna ask the good senator to present the bill. We'll take questions from the committee. Um, we- once we get beyond that, we'll take public input. [0:09:09](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=549s) Uh, I, I want to try to allocate about 20 minutes on the front end for the senator to present the bill and have questions. We may not need it all. Then I want to allocate 30 minutes for, uh, input from, uh, those of you who'd like to share your input. We've had a sign-up sheet. If you have not had a chance, we have a sign-up sheet. We even had the chair come in. All right. Well, if you-- Uh, well, the sign-up sheet will be available, and we'll take it until it's time to take public input. Depending upon the number of individuals who wish to, uh, to share their input, we will, uh, organize it where there's an equal number in favor of the legislation, opposed to the legislation, and we'll ment- limit your input, please, to three minutes. [0:09:51](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=591s) Three minutes when you have public input, but you're welcome to provide input in written form, uh, in an unlimited variety. So that's kind of the ground rules for today's meeting. I appreciate you being here. I'm gonna turn it over to, uh, Chairman Goodman to share Senate Bill 523, LC 650073. Is that correct? [0:10:15](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=615s) That is, I believe. I'm going through it here, Mr. Chairman. LC 650073. [0:10:21](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=621s) Correct. Thank you. [0:10:22](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=622s) All right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. Um, at first, I'd like to allow, if you don't mind, Mr. Chairman, my guest here, Mr., uh, Robert Rothberg, to introduce himself. Is that okay, Mr. Chairman? [0:10:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=632s) Absolutely. [0:10:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=633s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, for allowing to hear from us today on behalf of the bill. I want to thank Senator Russ Goodman for his incredibly strong support. My name is Robert Rothberg. I represent Georgia Solidarity Network as a member of its board. We're a group of Jewish Georgians who work together to advocate on issues important to the Jewish community and across the state, and we have a, a deep interest in a, in a Title VI coordinator, as we're discussing today. Thank you. [0:10:58](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=658s) All right. Thank you, Robert. Uh, Mr. Chairman, I'm gonna go ahead and start if that's okay. [0:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=664s) Absolutely. [0:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=664s) All right. For decades, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 prohibiting sex-based discrimination has required designated coordinators at educational institutions. This structure's proven effective for ensuring consistent complaint handling, training, and accountability. On the other hand, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, and shared ancestry has no equivalent requirement, creating a gap in civil rights infrastructure for ensuring safe, non-discriminatory environment for students and employees. [0:11:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=704s) This legislation will create parity between these two foundational civil rights protections by creating a statewide accountability through designated coordinators and annual reporting, building on the foundation established in OCGA 50-1-12 and existing Board of Regents policies with a uniform process across all public schools and university system institutions. It'll demonstrate leadership by taking proactive action alongside peer states and protect all students by ensuring discrimination complaints are addressed promptly and thoroughly. [0:12:21](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=741s) The bill before you would create two statewide Title VI coordinators, one for K-12 and one for higher education, designated by the Board of Regents in consultation with the Technical College System of Georgia. Coordinators designated, um... Coordinators will be designated within 90 days of the governor's signature. The coordinator's duties are to establish and maintain a uniform complaint submission process, both electronic and written; receive, document, and investigate discrimination complaints; provide written notice to institutions requiring corrective action within 30 days; refer unresolved violations to US Department of Education and Department of Justice; submit annual reports to state leadership by June 30th of each year. [0:13:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=792s) This legislation does not mandate the creation of new positions and is expected to have minica- minimal fiscal impact. Coordinator responsibilities can be assigned to existing personnel with civil rights compliance experience. The bill has built-in protections. For instance, First Amendment protection. Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to United States Constitution or Article 1, Section 1 of the Georgia Constitution. [0:13:43](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=823s) The bill has federal alignment. Nothing in this act shall be construed to conflict with federal state, with federal or state nondiscrimination laws, and it has proportional enforcement. Any funding suspension for a violation of Title VI specifically exempts student financial aid and employee salaries. By creating statewide accountabili- ability, it's ensuring oversight and allowing the state to identify emerging issues. Title VI coordinators will provide comprehensive annual reporting to the governor, the lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the house And Legislative Education Committee chairs. [0:14:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=860s) The reporting framework will include total complaints received, complaints identified as anti-Semitic incidenc- incidences, summary of actions taken and emeries pr- and remedies provided, and recommendations for training needs. The bill aligns with existing Georgia law and practices. Title VI coordinators will be able to use a strong foundation that already exists in the university system and in the state code. The Board of Regents policy manual expressly prohib- ex- ex- excuse me, expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and religion. [0:14:56](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=896s) Anti-Semitism, as defined in OCGA 50-1-12, is explicitly recognized as a form of religious discrimination. Georgia will be a leader in this. Five states have already enacted Title VI coordinator legislation in 2025, including Tennessee, Oklahoma, New York, and Arkansas. The State University of New York has instituted Title VI coordinators via an administrative action across all 64 of its campuses. Additional states that are actively considering similar measures are Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. [0:15:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=931s) Georgia has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in campus civil rights compliance with bipartisan support for similar legislation across the country. And I wanna add that this bill also has bipartisan support. This is a straightforward step that aligns with the Board of Regents' commitment to ensuring all students can pursue their education free from discrimination. And Mr. Chairman, I, I don't know if I said it at the beginning when I, uh, made my remarks, but I'm carrying this bill on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. [0:16:02](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=962s) Um, so this is a, a priority piece of legislation for him. And, uh, with that, Mr. Chairman, uh, be glad to answer any questions or, uh, uh... Robert, do you have anything that you'd, that you would like to contribute? [0:16:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=978s) Yeah. So again, Title VI coordinator is to help protect the civil rights that are already afforded all administers, employees, and students in our educational institutions. As the senator said, protection on the basis of race, color, national origin, along with the Office of Civil Rights guidance on religion. It creates clear intake system, prompt response, data, and documentation for broader understanding of trends, consistent treatment, and training on fed- federal civil rights protection. [0:16:51](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1011s) Right now, there are a record number of Title VI cases that have been filed across both the United States and in Georgia, and they are probably not being handled in a consistent cons- uh, consistent manner. Thank you. [0:17:08](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1028s) Questions from the committee? Any questions for the author? Uh, Mr. Troughberg, um, have you had an opportunity to consult with the USG and, uh, TCSG and Department of Education on this bill? [0:17:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1044s) We have, Mr. Chairman. We have. We met with them this morning and, um, we, uh, they have, uh, come to us with some, uh, edits that they'd like to see, and the lieutenant governor's office has, has told them that they, they'd be, uh, um, willing to discuss that with them and, and open to making changes. But in the proce- In where we're at right now in the legislative process, the lieutenant governor's office would like to ask that we move the bill knowing that, that changes, uh, can be made but that, you know, we're, um, we, we have to get this through before crossover. [0:17:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1074s) So I understand, uh, if I understand correctly, your, in your consultation with USG, TCSG, and Department of Education, they're willing to work with you- [0:18:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1084s) Yes, sir [0:18:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1085s) ... and they're willing to, uh, provide input that we might be able to accommodate as this process continues. Is that not true? [0:18:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1092s) That's very true, Mr. Chairman. [0:18:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1093s) All right. [0:18:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1093s) As you know, this, this is a process. That's wh- that's why they call it sausage making. [0:18:17](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1097s) That's exactly right. We love this room because we make sausage here. [0:18:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1100s) That's right. [0:18:21](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1101s) All right. Uh, uh, Senator Harrell. Senator Howard? Nope. Senator Howard, not Harrell. Sorry. [0:18:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1108s) Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, uh, Senator. Uh, appreciate you coming, both of you coming. Uh, definitely this, uh, bill has generated a lot of interest, and I think one big part of it, there's two sections from what I'm reading and understanding here, and that section one, um, it gets into the definition of anti-Semitism. 'Cause I think pretty much everyone in this room would a- agree that, uh, we need to stand firmly against anti-Semitism. [0:19:00](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1140s) Uh, I think where there's a lot of question marks are on definition. Um, just because any thing that we discuss has a context, and I think it's good that we appreciate the fact that we are in a context around this country and internationally that, uh, definitions have a way of having concept creep. And anti-Semitism means different things to different people, and how it's applied starts changing over time. And being that we're talking about state law, and I wasn't here for, uh, HB30, but, uh, if you could, um, could you help me understand that definition, and not just the definition itself, but how that definition is used? [0:19:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1179s) And for- forgive me, uh, for catching up as a, a new senator, but I really wanna spend some time here. [0:19:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1184s) So this is, um, House Bill 30. Um, the definition of anti-Semitism, em- anti-Semitism that was used in this bill, or used in that bill, which this, this bill reflects that in code. I'm gonna read it to you. Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as a hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions, and religious facilities And if you look at some of the instances, um, Senator, I've, I've, uh, done some research on this. [0:20:29](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1229s) Um, antisemitism is on the rise around the world, and history has shown us what happens when we turn a blind eye to it. Um, the leaders of our grandparents' generation turned a blind eye to antisemitism, and before it was over with, 60 million people died, 450,000 Americans and 6 million European Jews were murdered. Something I'm pretty passionate about, right? [0:20:59](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1259s) Just in Georgia, just recent events, uh, a Jewish high school student was harassed by classmates who said, "Dirty Jew, dirty Jew, dirty Jew," and told the student that Jews are money hungry and have big noses. That was in Marietta, January 1725. A swastika was found traced in the snow at a school in Savannah, January 2725. Swastikas were spray-painted on two schools in Marietta, March 13th, 2025. Swastikas were found drawn on lockers at a middle school and high school in Cobb County on March 13th, 2025. [0:21:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1292s) A swastika was found drawn on the windshield of a Jewish high school student in Atlanta on April the 2nd. A swastika was found scratched into a student's desk at a middle school in Dunwoody on September the 5th. Heil Hitler was traced into dust on a student's car parked at a Jewish fraternity at University of Georgia on January 13th, 2024. The list just goes on. And I think that we have an opportunity, and we did with HB30, um, to say that, uh, we in the Georgia Senate stand against this kind of hate. [0:22:06](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1326s) Yeah. [0:22:07](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1327s) Um, that's what this bill is about. It creates a, basically what I'd call a mediator, you know- [0:22:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1332s) Yeah [0:22:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1332s) ... 'cause right now, if there's, if, if, if someone's experiencing discrimination, you know, and if it's not, if it's not being, uh, addressed within the administration, then, you know, the only recourse a person has is to file a lawsuit. This creates a- [0:22:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1347s) Understood [0:22:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1347s) ... um, um, a mediating process is the way I would describe it. And as you know, you know, I'm a farmer and you're a dentist. [0:22:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1353s) Right. [0:22:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1353s) We're not attorneys. [0:22:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1354s) Yeah. [0:22:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1354s) But that's the way, uh, that I would, uh, that's the way I would word it. [0:22:38](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1358s) Yeah. If I may, Mr. Chair. [0:22:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1361s) Yes. [0:22:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1361s) Thank you for the time. Um, again, I'm, I know I'm focusing a lot on section one, uh, part. Um, uh, formerly on the Cobb County School Board, um, these horrible acts of antisemitism, we had a front row seat to them, um, during my time on the school board. Also, having, um, um, a myriad of families from a lot of different backgrounds, um, pick a religion or a lack of their, of a religion, I should, lack thereof, of a religion. Uh, we know that folks saying and doing terrible things is, is a problem, and I'm glad that we're addressing this. [0:23:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1399s) Here's where I have a, some challenge. Now, if you can help me out here, and maybe someone can help me out here. If someone is, um, studying current events and they have significant issues with the current, like, Israeli government, like just how the res- you know, obviously it's a very complicated history and a, and a complicated now, but someone's looking with their own eyes, they're doing their own research, and they're saying, "You know what? The more I research this, I find the current Israeli government's actions to be extremely problematic to, like, their conscience." If they're at a area of one of our amazing institutions and they're engaging in that conversation, do you th- does this bill or double down on a bill help encourage a productive dialogue, or do you think that it's having a different reaction? [0:24:10](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1450s) Because I'm hearing that folks are even afraid to say that they have any kind of critique of an international matter. [0:24:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1459s) Yeah, I think- [0:24:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1459s) And so, and that's a real thing. Just like you rattled off the, um, you rattled off a, a list of examples, like that's- [0:24:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1465s) Oh, and the, and, and Senator- [0:24:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1466s) And I know it goes on and on. Yeah. [0:24:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1467s) I've got three pages of that. [0:24:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1468s) Understood. And- [0:24:29](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1469s) And Senator Howard- [0:24:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1470s) Yeah [0:24:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1470s) ... thank you. [0:24:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1471s) But I wanna make sure I have it clear. I wanna make sure for the... I'm just giving that specifically. [0:24:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1474s) No, no, I understand. [0:24:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1475s) Yeah. [0:24:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1475s) So, I mean- [0:24:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1475s) How would, how would we respond to that? [0:24:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1477s) A- as we've all said, three of us, none of us are legal counsel. [0:24:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1481s) Sure. [0:24:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1481s) Right? So I'll, I'll speak of it as a, a layman and a quasi expert because of the, in the subject matter, is I think what enables this is the fact that HB30 was codified into law under 50-1-12. [0:24:56](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1496s) Yep. [0:24:56](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1496s) The IHRA definition, the International Holocaust Remembrance Association, is a internationally recognized definition of antisemitism. Um, to your comment about what is legitimate criticism of any country or any country's governments or policies falls into one bucket. It's when it crosses into that country's right to exist as a country at all, or things like from the river to the sea, and I, I'm not here to adjudicate exactly how that works, and it, it gets into... [0:25:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1528s) You know, that's, that's why we're here today. That's what Title VI is for, and that's why you need expertise. Um, I was in, I'm in business, uh, in the high school sports space. I have a lot of experience dealing with school boards. I sat through a lot of school board meetings getting contracts approved for our product, listening to the myriad issues that they had to deal with, uh, which is amazing to me. And to expect that a school board member be an expert on federal civil rights, the IHRA definition of antisemitism, is probably more than the average or even the superb level school board member is just gonna be aware of. [0:26:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1564s) Much like in, you know, much like the, you know, artificial intelligence or other, you know, sophisticated plumbing under the ground, right? I mean, these are just, this is why the expertise is needed. [0:26:16](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1576s) Understood. And it... Oh, go ahead, I'm sorry. Thank you. [0:26:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1580s) Thank you, Senator. Uh, other senators have questions for, uh, the author? Other senators? I'd like just to make a point of clarification. Um- [0:26:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1590s) And on line 17, you refer to established Georgia law. So the definition of antisemitism has been codified. Is that not true? [0:26:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1600s) That, but yeah, that, yes, sir. That is true. [0:26:43](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1603s) Yep, 15-1-12. [0:26:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1604s) Yes, sir. [0:26:45](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1605s) So you're not changing that in any way? [0:26:47](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1607s) We are not. All we- [0:26:48](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1608s) Is that correct? [0:26:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1609s) No, sir. We are not changing that. [0:26:50](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1610s) All right. And then, uh, I, I looked, uh, certainly the, the bill has components that address, uh, this challenge in both the secondary education environment as well as the post-secondary education. For se- so section two deals with public schools in Georgia, is that correct? [0:27:07](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1627s) Yes, sir. [0:27:08](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1628s) And in line 21, does that include charter schools? [0:27:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1632s) Mm-hmm. [0:27:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1633s) Online schools? [0:27:14](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1634s) Mm-hmm. [0:27:14](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1634s) All schools? All public schools in Georgia? I just want a clarification. [0:27:17](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1637s) Yes, sir. [0:27:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1638s) Thank you. And then in the, in section three, we're dealing with, uh, university system and technical college system in Georgia, the public schools, uh, in, in, um, s- in, in post-secondary. Is that not true? [0:27:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1651s) Yes, sir. [0:27:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1651s) Thank you. Uh, one more question, uh, Senator Howard, and then we're gonna move forward. [0:27:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1655s) I, I appreciate that, Mr. Chair. Um, with this, I know that there's gonna be s- still more work done with this bill. Is there room, um, from the author's interpretation to add other protections for other major religions, um, so that way in this one bill we can make sure, um, antisemitism, anti-Christianity, anti-La- uh, as- anti-Islam or even anti-atheist kind of, uh, expressions of rhetoric could st- also be included? D- um, is there interest in having that type of inclusion in here since we are talking about major religions? [0:28:11](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1691s) Right. I would say that again, it's the lieutenant governor's bill and it's gonna be his office, but I know that they have been open, um, with the discussions that I've had with everyone of, you know, um, going forward. But it, it, it, it is... Again, I'm carrying it on, on, on his behalf- [0:28:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1706s) Okay [0:28:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1706s) ... so that will be a decision that, um, that they'll have to make. [0:28:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1710s) Thank you, Senator. Uh, we're gonna move now to public comment, if that's okay. [0:28:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1713s) Yes, sir. [0:28:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1715s) We have a number of folks who would like to share their input. Uh- [0:28:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1719s) Is- [0:28:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1719s) We're gonna try to do this, uh, in an orderly fashion. So I'm gonna, um, first of all, three minutes please. And I apologize, uh, beforehand for not being, uh, able to pronounce names, and as, uh, our good friend on the, uh, whatever show that was ma- did I cor- correctly mispronounce your name? Question. So- [0:29:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1745s) Jawahir Sherwani. [0:29:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1745s) Ja- thank you. Jawahir Sherwani. I could not have said it better for myself. If you would please, uh, if you would introduce yourself and the group that you may be representing, and then state whether you, uh, s- support or oppose the legislation in three minutes. [0:29:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1759s) Sure. Thank you. Good afternoon. My name is Jawahir Sherwani. I want to thank all of you for paying attention to religious discriminations against school. It's a big problem for, for all student in Georgia. SB 523 gives a special mention to antisemitism. This is important because antisemitism is a big problem, and we would like this bill to treat every faith equally because discrimination against Muslim and those of other faith, and I would like to share some stories, um, from my personal life. [0:30:03](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1803s) My son is a student at Georgia State University, and he experienced so much discrimination that he has shifted to take an online school because he was so uncomfortable on campus. To give a few example, my son, he was told a good Muslim is a dead Muslim, and one time they were talking about gun in a, in a class and one student said, "Muslims are good in killing people." That's been happening a lot. [0:30:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1834s) It, s- Islamophobia, it's, uh, scary and people don't understand how we feel as Muslims, and I don't understand why we always have to defend ourself. Unfortunately, every faith faces discrimination in school. So I'm asking you to please amend this bill to mention every faith the same way. Thank you very much. [0:31:00](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1860s) Thank you for your input. Uh, I, I finally came up with the name Stephen Colbert, so- ... I apologize. Uh, a- again, Arshela Huda? I was I, halfway close. [0:31:14](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1874s) Arshela. [0:31:14](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1874s) Arshela, thank you. State, state your name for the record and also your organization and whether you support or oppose the bill. [0:31:23](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1883s) Gotcha. Thank you. Good afternoon, senators. My name is Arshela Huda. I am the education and advocacy organizer at Georgia Muslim Voter Project, a non-partisan organization that empowers American Muslims. I am here to respectfully ask you to, um, have this bill amended to clarify that protections against religious discrimination apply to students of all faith traditions. I appreciate the General Assembly's efforts to combat the rising religious discrimination here in Georgia, and we share the same goal that all students are protected from hate and discrimination. [0:31:57](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1917s) We strongly oppose antisemitism and all forms of religious hate. While attempting to prevent religious discrimination among several groups, the bill itself only explicitly names antisemitism when considering discrimination. Because the bill explicitly names antisemitism, we are concerned that discrimination experienced by students from other faith background may not be addressed as clearly in implemen- implementation despite many other religious groups facing regular and ongoing attacks. [0:32:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1946s) As an organization that serves Muslim communities, we have seen how hate and discrimination continue to impact students amid rising Islamophobia. We have seen Muslim students being threatened by their peers and bad actors for requesting equitable accommodations in their schools, Muslim girls wearing headscarves being mocked or assaulted in schools, and our youth generally being called terrorists or being told they're going to hell for their beliefs. These experiences are not limited to Muslim students. Students from many faith and non-religious backgrounds have also faced discrimination tied to their beliefs and identities. [0:33:00](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=1980s) While we recognize antisemitism and religious dis- discrimination as serious and urgent concerns, we believe this legislation presents an opportunity to ensure protections are clearly understood and applied to all students experiencing religious discrimination. We appreciate the General Assembly's commitment to addressing religious discrimination. By clarifying that these protections extend to students of all faith traditions, this legislation can help ensure every student feels safe practicing their beliefs peacefully and learning in an environment free from discri- discrimination. [0:33:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2010s) Thank you. [0:33:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2011s) Thank you. Thank you for your input. Uh, we're gonna skip to, uh, a neutral input from Mikayla. Is that right? Mikayla? [0:33:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2020s) Yes, sir. [0:33:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2021s) Uh, Arakaji. [0:33:43](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2023s) Arciaga. [0:33:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2024s) Arciaga. [0:33:45](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2025s) If you read it in, in- [0:33:46](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2026s) Arciaga [0:33:47](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2027s) ... you'll hear it. It's not so bad. [0:33:48](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2028s) Thank you very much. [0:33:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2029s) Thank you so much, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Mikayla Arciaga. I'm the Georgia Advocacy Director for the Intercultural Development Research Association. We are a legacy civil, K12 civil rights nonprofit. Um, we have filed, navigated, and provided technical assistance for hundreds of OCR complaints, Office of Civil Rights, at the federal level over the last 50 years. Um, and so I am here just to provide some feedback. We are, as I said, neutral, but we, we strongly support the spirit and intention of the bill as we see it, particularly this creation of statewide infrastructure to respond and support children who have been impacted by discrimination for their civil rights. [0:34:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2067s) Um, so a, a few of the things we'd really like to flag and encourage, and I've, I've provided these to Chairman, um, Goodman as well as to the lieutenant governor's office. Um, I've also sent this to all of you all through email. But, um, we really want to emphasize that in order to do this well and with fidelity, there will need to be substantially more infrastructure than just a single person at the state level. Um, there need to be mechanisms in place to help triage some of these things at the local level. Um, some of these situations, especially with how, um, broad some of the language is in this bill, need to, are things that w- uh, can be handled o- oftentimes at the local level, understanding that, um, when those systems at the local level, level fail, there is a needed, uh, escalation pathway up to higher levels where the DOE can play a role here. [0:35:22](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2122s) Um, I have submitted some, we have submitted some pretty substantial recommendations for language on, on how to do this. Um, but in general, we had four areas we'd like you all to consider thinking about. The first is immediate response and support for the victims who bring forward a complaint or allegation of discrimination. Um, unfortunately, with the federal process, sometimes folks would file a federal complaint and be subject, and, and wait for months, if not years, for a response or any sort of a, a resolution. [0:35:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2154s) Um, we would really encourage y'all to consider a process where, especially if it is a student who's experiencing these things, that, one, that they receive immediate response, either in the form of counseling or additional services and support, and that also whoever brings such a complaint or allegation is protected from retaliation in, in that process. Um, so that's the first, is that immediate response. Second is allowing for that more, um, scaled infrastructure that allows for ground-level triage and response. [0:36:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2185s) 30 seconds. [0:36:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2185s) Second is, um, an investigative procedure for systems to be able to navigate some of these. This will require additional training. I think Mr. Rothberg said it does require substantial training and understanding what discrimination can and does look like. That training needs to happen for systems- [0:36:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2200s) If you could wrap up your testimony [0:36:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2201s) ... teachers, and, um, the community. Finally, we also would encourage y'all to consider adopting proactive preventative measures in the form of the, that training- [0:36:51](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2211s) Thank you for your input [0:36:51](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2211s) ... as well as environment. Thank you so much, Chairman. [0:36:53](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2213s) Thank you. Thank you for your input. Um, Brooke- [0:36:55](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2215s) As I mentioned, we've sent our comments, our full recommendations to you all as well. [0:36:59](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2219s) Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Brooke Mills. Yeah, that was easier, thank you very much, because there was a, a prior individual named Mel Brooks, which made it easy for me to recall. Thank you, uh, Ms. Mills. [0:37:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2240s) Thank you, Mr. Speak- Speaker. Oh my gosh. Chairman, uh, I'm- [0:37:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2244s) No, thank you. [0:37:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2248s) I, I appreciate the spirit of this bill. As a, I, I'm a Jew born here in Georgia, raised here in Georgia, play and work in Georgia. I appreciate it. Uh, um, I want to go through with y'all the experience, uh, um, of a lived Jewish experience just here within the perimeter. At age five, on the way to temp- um, t- um, temple, walking t- uh, walking to in my community, a car passes by, screams out, "Dirty Jew," throws their, their, their drink at, um, at me and my father, drives off, no resolution. [0:38:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2284s) Age 12, Jewish day school, swastika spray-painted on the exterior of the building, no resolution. Age 17, an attempt on mine and my family's lives for our Jewish heritage, no resolution. I appr- so I can, can absolutely appreciate what this bill tries to do. However, like, like, like the lady before said- Needs, needs a little bit more refining under the definitions for OCGA 50-1-12 se- um, um, section A, subsection 2, uses the 2016 definitions of the IHRA, which have been subsequently recalled and revised due to their broad wording. [0:38:52](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2332s) It, it, um, it goes after any criticality of the Israeli government, of which the majority of Jewish Americans do have some criticism. We do tend to argue and bicker a bit between ourselves. As of yesterday, the Israeli Consulate came out against the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and it's actively working to defund it. A Way poll poll-- A, a, a Washington Post poll in 2025 found a, the majority of American Jewry has at least some concerns or criticisms of the Israeli government. [0:39:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2364s) Like any government, not perfect. So a carve-out for, for protected First Amendment speech, um, um, um, un- um, under these working definitions is a must. The-- A-as it is, it undercuts religious liberty and freedom of, of speech, which just last year we were working under with the, with Senate Bill 36. So just some, some, s- um, just some refining on the mechanisms here would be much appreciated. Thank you. [0:39:52](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2392s) Thirty seconds. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Uh, a quick question if I could, Ms. Miles. Uh, do you oppose the bill? [0:40:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2405s) I oppose the bill in its current form. [0:40:06](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2406s) In its current form. Thank you very much. Uh, Reverend Fahed, I'm sorry, I cannot read your last name. Uh, Abdu... Help me, please. [0:40:21](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2421s) A-B-E-A... Sorry. [0:40:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2424s) Yes. [0:40:24](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2424s) Would you, uh, share with me your name? [0:40:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2426s) Mr. Chairman and committee members, my name is Fahed Aboaqil. [0:40:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2432s) Thank you. [0:40:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2432s) I'm a Presbyterian minister in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. And last, uh, this last month that went tonight, I celebrated, uh, 60 years being in the United States of America. That means I received all my higher education here, and 55 years in the city of Atlanta because I came to study at Columbia Seminary in Decatur. My nephew is a veteran of the US Army. [0:41:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2465s) Other nephew's son is a veteran of the Navy. I was born, uh, before the state of Israel was established. I grew up in the state of Israel, in the Galilee area next to Nazareth. So my first grade, I studied Arabic. In the fourth grade, I studied Hebrew, and in the sixth grade, I studied English, and I could not graduate from high school without passing, uh, three languages. [0:41:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2497s) W- I'm against this bill because it lift up... Uh, first of all, I'm against discrimination of any students. The second, I'm against this bill because it lift up one faith above every other faith. If you pass this bill, that means, uh, very soon, the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Sikh, the Muslim wants their own bill. I urge you not to pass this bill until the bill protect all students equally. [0:42:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2532s) Today, we have more discrimination against immigrant students and Muslim students than Jewish students. I urge you not to, to vote against it. Please vote against it. Thank you. [0:42:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2546s) Thank you. Thank you for your input. Um, [0:42:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2555s) Yulin Jiang, Yang? [0:42:36](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2556s) That's right. [0:42:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2557s) Yulin? [0:42:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2564s) Share with your input, please. Share with the committee your input. Introduce yourself for us. [0:42:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2569s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee. Uh, my name is Yulin Jiang, and I serve as the Policy Advocacy Manager for the Asian American Advocacy Fund, uh, which represents and engages over a hundred thousand community members across our state: families, students, small business owners, faith leaders, and working people whose civil rights and educational access are directly impacted by the policies considered by this body. I'm also a former attorney with the US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, where I served for o- nearly a decade. Um, during that time, I worked on the Title VI program legal group, which was a specialized team responsible for drafting guidance on the implementation of Title VI. [0:43:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2605s) Um, Title VI is the federal statute that, uh, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, and as referenced in SB 523 as the regulatory framework. Um, I come before you today because SB 523 contains some deficiencies that should be addressed if this legislation is to move forward. Um, and my testimony reflects both the lived concerns of the communities that we serve across Georgia and also just direct experience, uh, interpreting and enforcing Title VI. Um, so I wanted to flag some procedural and substantive issues. So procedurally, SB 523 doesn't clearly outline how investigations will be conducted. [0:43:57](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2637s) There's no defined timelines aside from a 30-day, if you're not compliant, we'll refer it. Um, there's no clear standards of fa-fact finding, no protections to ensuring notice and opportunity to respond, appeal rights, or protection from retaliation for students or staff who are investigated. Substantively, uh, the bill doesn't clarify any particular evidentiary standard and instead provides one definition for one form of Title VI discrimination, um, antisemitism in this case, which has been defined, uh, by the Georgia codified IHRA definition I mentioned before. Uh, when the Federal Office of Civil Rights, just as an example, investigates a complaint of race harassment, they utilize uniform legal standards that apply across all bases covered under Title VI. [0:44:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2675s) This includes antisemitism, um, and other shared ancestry discrimination. So this frames the investigation, examining the conduct, the severity, the pervasiveness, the school's knowledge, their response, et cetera. Based on the current text of SB 523, it's unclear whether the, you know, Title VI coordinator would require that a harassment complaint alleging antisemitism meet the current evidentiary standards of Title VI harassment, or would simply matching one of the examples in the IHRA definition be considered a per se violation, is one of my questions. As currently drafted, SB523 risks creating inconsistent state and federal civil rights standards and outcomes, and the lacks of procedural safeguards are required for fair enforcement. [0:45:10](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2710s) If this bill is to move forward, it should be amended to ensure legal consistency and fair process. Specifically, the bill should ensure clear notice, setting reasonable timelines for investigation and an opportunity- [0:45:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2720s) 30 seconds [0:45:20](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2720s) ... to respond for investigated schools and individuals, establish uniform, legally sound evidentiary standards that apply equally across all Title VI bases and theories of discrimination, and clarify investigative procedures and timelines to ensure both accountability and fairness. I wanna be clear that I'm actually not opposed to the state having a civil rights enforcement arm. Other states do operate- [0:45:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2739s) T- 10 seconds [0:45:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2739s) ... parallel offices- [0:45:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2740s) Please wrap up [0:45:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2740s) ... but if Georgia chooses to do so, it must align with established legal standards and protect the rights of both complainants and respondents. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. [0:45:47](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2747s) Thank you for your input. I have a question. [0:45:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2749s) Sure. [0:45:50](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2750s) Is it not common practice for the policy to be set by the legislature and the operationalization of a policy to be established by the, uh, agencies that would be implementing it? [0:46:00](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2760s) Yes. [0:46:01](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2761s) Okay. So that the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Education would flesh out the concerns that you might be expressing. Is that not true? [0:46:11](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2771s) Sure. But in this particular bill, we see that we have one definition, right, for one form of Title VI. I, I think that's unclear. We have a specific definition for one form of Title VI discrimination, and then there's no other mention, so I'm just curious as to why there's one standard and not more. [0:46:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2786s) Thank you. Uh, questions from the committee? Thank you for your input. [0:46:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2790s) Oh. [0:46:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2790s) I have one. [0:46:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2790s) Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, Senator Howard. [0:46:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2794s) Um, you made a point at the very end about the standards. If you can just clarify that one more time, just for clarity's sake. [0:46:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2801s) You want me to read it again or just- [0:46:42](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2802s) No, the last part, uh, he was- [0:46:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2804s) Paraphrase [0:46:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2804s) ... not, not operational, but there, the bill itself, 'cause we, I think we can understand that our job is not to flesh out all the operations. [0:46:51](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2811s) Right. Exactly, yeah. [0:46:52](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2812s) But, but you said something at the end about a standard, if you can just repeat that. [0:46:56](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2816s) Sure. Um, specifically, we only have one mention that we have a specific definition for one form of Title VI discrimination. So my question is, why don't we have that, uh, for other standards or other, um, specific forms of discrimination? I think it's interesting that we just have the one. Um, in your case, you said that, you know, typically they would be just, like, making their own standards, um, the Title VI coordinator being charged with that. Yeah. [0:47:17](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2837s) Thank you. [0:47:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2838s) Thank you. [0:47:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2838s) Thank you. Um, [0:47:22](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2842s) Azzak Mahud? Mahmoud, Mahmoud. [0:47:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2847s) Um, it's Azka. [0:47:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2848s) Azka. [0:47:29](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2849s) Yes. [0:47:30](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2850s) Azka Mahmoud. We- [0:47:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2853s) Good afternoon [0:47:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2854s) ... four, two. [0:47:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2855s) I am Azka Mahmoud, and I serve as the executive director at the Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations. We're the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization. Like other speakers, I want to state that I'm glad to see reli- school religious discrimination being discussed in the Georgia Assembly. Um, as a Muslim civil rights organization, we have been considering bringing a bill to address religious, uh, discrimination for a few years now, and I want to thank all the sponsors of the bill for wanting to address this. [0:48:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2885s) Now, bullying, harassment, and discrimination based on national origin, ethnicity, religion, and other factors are on the rise, and this bill is a positive step overall in addressing these issues. Rising antisemitism, Hinduphobia, and Islamophobia have become an impediment to the mental and academic wellbeing of our children, um, and children of all of these faiths and more deserve protection. Um, as an organization dedicated to serving Muslims, CAIR has been tracking incidents of Islamophobia in the US since 1995. [0:48:38](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2918s) I'm only going to talk about the last 10 years. Um, since 2016, Islamophobia has skyrocketed across the country. Nationwide, CAIR's reporting showed that anti-Muslim incidents increased by 291% in the last 10 years. In the state of Georgia alone, we have recorded, I personally have been working for the last five years on recording these, this exponential increase in anti-Muslim activity. From 2020 to 2025, incoming complaints grew by 520% just in Georgia. [0:49:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2952s) Last year, our youngest client was a five-year-old kindergarten student who received a death threat from an older, um, elementary school child who, [0:49:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2965s) uh, was attacking her on the basis of her religion and her ethnicity. We also spent months investigating the suicide of an 11-year-old Muslim girl who named her bullies in a TikTok before taking her life. Muslim students are routinely given tier three punishments or longer suspensions than their peers for infractions across K through 12 schools here. In fact, every election cycle, general or midterm, we see not only an increase in progressively more dangerous rhetoric a- against Muslims, but also in direct hate incidents. [0:49:58](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=2998s) The funny thing is that hate and discrimination rarely stay limited to one group. After the 2016 elections, uh, when Muslims were particularly vilified, the Sikh community also saw hate crimes against them triple over 2017 and 2018 because they're very often mistaken to be Muslims. Religious discrimination impacts all minority faiths, and that's why our laws, like SB523, must protect all faith groups equally, forcefully, and explicitly. [0:50:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3028s) My own son and daughter are afraid to be visibly Muslim in Fulton County because of this environment of hate against Muslims. And you've heard the sponsors mention- [0:50:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3037s) You would wrap up, please. [0:50:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3037s) Sure. Um, you've heard the sponsors mention specific training and tracking for antisemitism, and that makes me deeply worried that the enforcers will think that there's a hierarchy of discrimination. [0:50:48](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3048s) Thank you. [0:50:48](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3048s) So I must- [0:50:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3049s) Thank you [0:50:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3049s) ... urge you to oppose this bill in its, uh, current form because we must do better- [0:50:53](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3053s) Thank you [0:50:53](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3053s) ... for all of our children. Thank you. [0:50:55](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3055s) Thank you for your input. Um, I'm gonna turn quickly back to Robert Throtburg and ask him if he'd like to make any additional comments, and we're gonna wrap up with, uh, Sarah Hunt Blackwell, who is with the ACLU. But, but Mr. Throtburg, do you have any additional comments? [0:51:09](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3069s) No additional comments. [0:51:10](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3070s) No additional comments. Okay, Ms, Ms, uh, Hunt Blackwell. [0:51:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3078s) Afternoon, Chairman, members of the committee. My name is Sarah Hunt Blackwell. I am Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU of Georgia. I am an attorney, uh, who specializes in First Amendment, and I'm here opposing Senate Bill 523. While we share the goal of protecting all students from discrimination, this bill, as written, threatens to chill constitutionally protected speech in Georgia schools and on Georgia campuses. First, the ACLU of Georgia does not support the discrimination, harassment, or persecution of any religious or cultural community, including those of the Jewish faith. [0:51:52](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3112s) We believe that people of all faiths or those who have no faith beliefs at all deserve the fullest extent of legal protection. At its core, SB 523 is a good bill, and our opposition to the bill does not stem from a desire to perpetuate or promote antisemitism. The core issue is the IR- IHRA definition of antisemitism that this bill references. When the General Assembly considered the legislation that codified the IHRA definition of antisemitism, the ACLU of Georgia expressed concerns that the language could significantly impact free speech. [0:52:25](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3145s) The Supreme Court has been very clear that offensive speech still receives First Amendment protection. So whether that looks like racial slurs or symbols, controversial critiques, or simply unpopular opinions, each of us has the First Amendment right to that expression. By including a definition that defines political critiques of a foreign government as antisemitic, this bill conflates protected speech with unprotected discrimination. As written, this bill would subject students or faculty to investigation and possibly punishment for sharing their political beliefs about Israeli pol- policies and practices. [0:53:00](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3180s) This creates a powerful chilling effect where individuals may simply stop speaking at all to avoid risk. And while we understand that some speech may be hateful or offensive at best and absolutely deplorable at worst, the government may not restrict unfavorable speech absent any real threats. We thank the sponsors for their efforts to protect students from discrimination, and we also urge this committee to rethink the reference to the IHRA definition on line 17 and the inclusion of lines 29 through 31 in this bill. Thank you for your time. [0:53:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3211s) I yield for any questions. [0:53:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3212s) Thank you. Uh, Senator Hickman. Yes, sir. If this is the appropriate time, I'd like to make a motion to pass. All right. We'll, we'll hold off. Any, any questions? Any questions for Ms. Hunt Blackwell? I want to ask, uh, the author if he'll come back and briefly close, and then we'll entertain a motion. [0:53:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3234s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to read for you one more time the definition of antisemitism that is already codified into law that was passed in a bipartisan fashion two years ago. Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, towards Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. [0:54:32](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3272s) That is the defin- definition that was already passed into law in a bipartisan manner in this state, in this General Assembly. With that, Mr. Chairman, I'd just like to add, um, this bill, w- we have to keep it moving through the process. Um, [0:54:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3294s) I think that the... I met today, this, this morning, the lieutenant governor's chief of staff and myself met, met with USG. Um, I would like to ask this com- [0:55:06](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3306s) I'm sorry. [0:55:07](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3307s) Go, go ahead. [0:55:07](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3307s) Okay. [0:55:08](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3308s) Go ahead. [0:55:08](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3308s) I'd like to ask this committee to pass this bill so that we can keep it, keep it moving. Uh, Mr. Chairman. [0:55:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3313s) Chair recognizes Senator Howard for a question, or Senator Harrell for a question. [0:55:16](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3316s) I'm sorry for my impatience. [0:55:18](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3318s) That's all right. [0:55:19](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3319s) Um, can... So the, the definition you're reading is not complete. And, and so it, it would make sense to me maybe that if you read the definition, that you read the entire definition. [0:55:33](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3333s) This is what... [0:55:36](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3336s) It's not complete. [0:55:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3337s) This is O- OCGA, is that correct? [0:55:39](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3339s) I, yes, sir. I don't have that. [0:55:41](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3341s) OCGA 50- [0:55:42](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3342s) This is what I've- [0:55:43](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3343s) ... dash one dash 12. Again- [0:55:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3344s) This is what I pulled directly off of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. [0:55:47](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3347s) I, I think- [0:55:47](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3347s) We codified the examples. [0:55:49](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3349s) It's codified, yes. [0:55:50](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3350s) But Mr. Chairman, may I? [0:55:52](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3352s) Sure. [0:55:53](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3353s) So we codified the definition with the examples. The... Yeah. [0:56:03](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3363s) Re- restate your, your comment or your question, Senator. [0:56:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3365s) We codified the definition with the 11 examples. [0:56:09](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3369s) With the 11 examples. [0:56:11](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3371s) Right. So he's just reading the- [0:56:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3373s) Examples [0:56:13](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3373s) ... first part. [0:56:14](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3374s) Right. Again, as you point out, uh, the definition itself is broader and includes multiple components. Is that not true? [0:56:23](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3383s) That is true, and I'd just like to say that for, for the record- [0:56:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3387s) Thank you [0:56:27](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3387s) ... that the definition is longer than what you're presenting. [0:56:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3391s) Okay. [0:56:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3391s) Thank you. [0:56:31](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3391s) This, this is what I- [0:56:34](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3394s) We're given. [0:56:35](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3395s) Yeah. [0:56:36](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3396s) Thank you. Um, um- [0:56:37](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3397s) But again- [0:56:38](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3398s) One- [0:56:38](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3398s) ... it's already been- [0:56:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3400s) Yeah [0:56:40](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3400s) ... passed in a bipartisan fashion into law. [0:56:42](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3402s) Right. [0:56:42](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3402s) This is current Georgia law. [0:56:44](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3404s) Yes, sir. [0:56:45](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3405s) Is that not true? Okay. One more question, we'll consider action. Uh, Senator Howard. [0:56:50](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3410s) I'd like to offer an amendment, if appropriate. [0:56:53](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3413s) Uh, not until we have a motion on the floor. [0:56:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3414s) Thank you, sir. [0:56:55](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3415s) So I now will entertain a motion. Yes, I'll move. Yes, I'll make a motion that Senate Bill 523 LC 05000073, um, pass. I have a motion by Senator Hickman. Do I have a second? [0:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3432s) Second. [0:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3432s) Second, Senator Payne. Now would be the appropriate time, Senator Howard. [0:57:16](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3436s) Thank you. I'd like to offer an amendment to re- uh, place lines 29 through 31 with the following language. Um, each public school shall consider [0:57:28](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3448s) Harassment or discrimination against students, employees motivated by or including, but not limited to antisemitism, anti-Christianity, Islamophobia, anti-Hindu sentiment, anti-Buddhist sentiment, anti-Sikh sentiment, and or anti-atheist sentiment. [0:57:50](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3470s) I have a, a motion to amend. Is there a second? [0:57:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3474s) Second. [0:57:54](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3474s) I have a second from Senator Harrell. Is there a discussion? We can also address that. Uh, I, I would, I, I would like to make a chairman's comment. I appreciate the motion, and I appreciate the desire to, uh, be more inclusive. I believe that that's an opportunity for us to consider as this bill moves forward, so I'd have to speak against the amendment. But, uh, s- what's the will of the committee? Those in favor of, uh, Senator s- amendment to adjust lines 29 through 31 say, "Aye." Aye. [0:58:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3506s) Aye. [0:58:26](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3506s) Those opposed, no. No. No, the no's have it, so the, the bill is not amended at this time. We move to the question. The question on the floor is the, uh, due pass SB 523 LC 650073. Those in favor indicate with the uplifted hand. One, two, three, four. Those opposed? Two opposed. Okay, so five in favor. Is that correct? [0:58:57](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3537s) I voted yes. [0:58:57](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3537s) One, two, three. Did you vote for or against? Okay, five for, one against. Congratulations, Senator. [0:59:04](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3544s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. [0:59:05](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3545s) On, on the rules, and as you know, more work to be done. Thank you for your time. [0:59:08](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3548s) Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Absolutely. [0:59:09](https://vimeo.com/1167875415#t=3549s) No further business, the committee stands adjourned.