Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed HB 2867 on June 11, rejecting a bipartisan-backed bill that would have barred teaching antisemitism in Arizona public schools and allowed for individual lawsuits against educators.
What the Bill Would Have Done
HB 2867, known as the “Antisemitism in Education Act,” passed the Arizona Legislature with bipartisan support—clearing the House 33–20. It aimed to prohibit public K–12 schools and universities from teaching content that could be deemed antisemitic, including material encouraging genocide or hostility toward Jews jns.org+9apnews.com+9cronkitenews.azpbs.org+9. The measure also held teachers personally accountable in civil court for violations.
Governor’s Rationale for the Veto
Governor Hobbs described the bill as an excessive attack on teachers, arguing it risks imposing unfair legal burdens: “It puts an unacceptable level of personal liability…opening them up to threats of personally costly lawsuits,” she wrote in her veto letter cbsnews.com+4azpm.org+4cronkitenews.azpbs.org+4. She emphasized that existing reporting channels—such as the Arizona State Board of Education—already address antisemitic incidents.
Supporters vs. Critics
Proponents, including bill sponsor Rep. Michael Way (R–Queen Creek), argued the bill was necessary to shield students from rising antisemitism, especially amid global tensions like the Israel–Hamas conflict en.wikipedia.org+10azpm.org+10jns.org+10. However, opponents warned the vague language could intimidate teachers and silence honest classroom discussions—including Holocaust education timesofindia.indiatimes.com+4apnews.com+4azcapitoltimes.com+4.
Lori Shepherd of the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center cautioned that Holocaust teaching itself might be misinterpreted as antisemitic under the bill’s broad definitions azgovernor.gov+5azpm.org+5azcapitoltimes.com+5.
Concerns from Educators and Free-Speech Advocates
The Arizona Education Association warned the bill could exacerbate the state’s ongoing teacher shortage, which currently averages $58,941 in annual pay in Phoenix—placing Arizona 25th nationally azpm.org+2cronkitenews.azpbs.org+2azcapitoltimes.com+2. Free-speech advocates also cautioned that teachers might avoid controversial but educational topics to sidestep potential lawsuits.
Broader Context and Legislative Background
The veto comes as Arizona grapples with broader education issues, including the impending deadline on renewing Proposition 123—which funds K–12 schools—and negotiations surrounding this extension usnews.com. Additionally, Hobbs has supported expanded Holocaust education, signing a budget that includes funding for a dedicated Holocaust Education Center in Phoenix and passing a separate civics education bill en.wikipedia.org+1azcapitoltimes.com+1.
What Comes Next
With HB 2867 off the table, discussions may refocus on non-legislative methods to combat antisemitism in schools—such as curriculum standards, training programs, and equity policies. Reporting channels provided by the State Board of Education remain the primary avenue for grievances. The veto also aligns with political efforts to maintain a balanced education agenda amid competing priorities like Prop. 123 and teacher funding.
Implications for Classrooms
Teachers, administrators, and school districts are breathing a sigh of relief. The bill’s defeat ensures no new legal threats loom over educators for attempting to teach sensitive historical or cultural subjects. That said, growing pressure to address antisemitism and broader forms of bias means schools may soon turn to voluntary training programs, curriculum updates, and community dialogue.