Gov. Youngkin issues executive order to protect students from antisemitism and anti-religious bigotry in classrooms

Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed a new executive order aiming to strengthen protections against antisemitism and religious bigotry in Virginia’s public schools and colleges. Executive Order 48, titled Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Religious Bigotry in Virginia Public Schools and Institutions of Higher Education, builds upon the administration’s ongoing efforts to confront hate and discrimination in educational settings.

This move comes as reports of antisemitic incidents have spiked across the nation since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack, according to data from the Combat Antisemitism Movement. Schools and university campuses have become key flashpoints in these troubling trends, prompting the state to act.

Strengthening Educational Environments Against Hate

“No one should be unsafe in the classroom or on campus or feel targeted because of their religion or heritage,” said Governor Youngkin. “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.”

Under the new order, the Virginia Secretary of Education, the Department of Education, and the State Council of Higher Education will be required to develop and distribute new tools to help schools and colleges track, report, and respond to incidents of antisemitism and other religious-based hatred.

Steps Already Taken to Address Antisemitism in Virginia

Since taking office, Governor Youngkin has introduced a number of measures to combat antisemitism and support Jewish communities throughout the Commonwealth:

• Day One Commission to Combat Antisemitism: On his first day in office, Youngkin established the Commission to Combat Antisemitism through Executive Order 8. The commission, chaired by former Acting U.S. Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, made policy and legislative recommendations that have since been implemented.

• IHRA Definition Adopted: The Governor signed into law HB1606, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism as Virginia’s official standard for identifying, reporting, and responding to antisemitic incidents.

• Hate Crimes Legislation Enhanced: SB7 and HB18, both signed into law by Youngkin, expanded hate crime protections to include ethnic origin—bringing Virginia’s law into better alignment with the IHRA definition and addressing a key gap in prior statutes.

• Security Funding and Awareness Boosted After October 7: Executive Directive Six expedited $2.7 million in security funding and directed the creation of campus safety plans and interagency coordination to protect vulnerable religious communities in the wake of rising hate.

• Expanded Curriculum on Jewish History and Antisemitism: Governor Youngkin championed reforms to Virginia’s History and Social Science Standards of Learning in 2023, ensuring that Holocaust education, Jewish heritage, and the historical impact of antisemitism are included in K-12 classrooms. Instructional guides now integrate Jewish experiences in America before and after World War II, as well as Jewish contributions to U.S. society and history.

• Specialized Training for Law Enforcement: Since September 2024, the state has hosted a series of training events in partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement and George Washington University’s Program on Extremism. These sessions have trained nearly 500 law enforcement officers on global and domestic extremism and campus-based antisemitic threats, with more events planned.

As part of the implementation of Executive Order 48, state officials will continue developing a comprehensive plan to help educators and administrators protect students from antisemitism and religious discrimination. With enhanced legal tools, training, and curriculum, Virginia aims to serve as a national model in creating inclusive and secure learning environments.

Governor Youngkin emphasized that while much has been accomplished, “our work is far from done.” His administration remains committed to standing against hate and ensuring that all students, regardless of faith or heritage, feel safe and supported in Virginia schools.