Governor Glenn Youngkin has issued Executive Order 48, titled “Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Religious Bigotry in Virginia Public Schools and Institutions of Higher Education.” This move aims to expand efforts to address antisemitism in educational settings across the state. According to surveys by the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM), incidents of antisemitism have risen since a terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, particularly affecting classrooms and campuses.
Governor Youngkin stated, “No one should be unsafe in the classroom or on campus or feel targeted because of their religion or heritage. This Executive Order reaffirms and strengthens the Commonwealth’s commitment to safe educational environments free from discrimination and continues our actions against antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry in public schools and institutions of higher education.”
He highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts since taking office, mentioning that on his first day he signed Executive Order 8 to establish the Commission to Combat Antisemitism. “We have made tremendous strides implementing their recommendations, but our work is far from done,” he added.
The new order instructs the Secretary of Education, the Virginia Department of Education, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to create resources for local school divisions as well as colleges and universities. These resources will aid in preventing, tracking, reporting, and addressing incidents related to antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry.
The full text of Governor Youngkin’s executive order is available online.
