Oppose the IHRA Definition Bill—Protect Free Speech and Academic Integrity

I’m writing as a concerned Wisconsin resident and advocate for civil rights, academic freedom, and ethical governance. I urge you to oppose the proposed bill adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in our state law. While combating antisemitism is essential, this bill dangerously conflates legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitic hate. The IHRA definition—particularly its illustrative examples—has been widely criticized by scholars, civil liberties organizations, and even its original drafter for being weaponized to silence dissent and suppress free speech, especially in academic and advocacy spaces. Codifying this definition into law risks: • Chilling constitutionally protected speech, especially among students, educators, and human rights advocates. • Undermining efforts to hold governments accountable, including Israel, for violations of international law. • Dividing communities by labeling principled critiques as hate, rather than fostering genuine dialogue and solidarity. I am deeply disappointed to learn that Democratic leadership has greenlit co-sponsorships for this bill. I urge you to reconsider and stand firmly against legislation that compromises our shared values of justice, transparency, and democratic discourse. Please vote NO on this bill and publicly oppose its advancement. Wisconsin must not set a precedent that stifles free expression in the name of combating hate.