At the March 25 Associated Students of the University of Arizona senate meeting, student representatives from UA’s Students Supporting Israel chapter addressed the senate, urging the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism as official university policy.
Josh Claar, president and founder of the Students Supporting Israel Arizona chapter, spoke on behalf of Jewish students, emphasizing the need for a more standardized and comprehensive definition. Claar cited national data indicating a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents on college campuses during the 2024-2025 academic year, noting that such trends have also manifested locally through vandalism and harmful online rhetoric.
Claar and fellow member Lea Thomas referenced an incident on Feb. 14, in which the Center for Jewish Students on campus was vandalized with a broken window describing it as a moment that underscored gaps in institutional response. According to Claar, the university’s inability to explicitly classify the act as antisemitic highlighted the need for a clear and formally adopted definition. They noted that while the university has shown support, clearer policy language could improve consistency and visibility in responses.
“The fact that the university doesn’t have a definition of what exactly is antisemitism makes it harder to respond,” Claar said.
Senators questioned how the IHRA definition compares to other frameworks already referenced by the university, particularly in terms of practical outcomes such as improving campus climate or external evaluations. Claar emphasized that the IHRA definition includes concrete examples that help distinguish antisemitism from other forms of expression and allows a more robust framework of defining these actions, which would enable the UA to be more decisive.
“If it falls under one of these examples, then it is antisemitic,” Claar said. “If it does not, then it’s definitely a little bit more subjective.”
Expanding the conversation beyond policy, Claar stressed his opinion that broader global conflict between Israel and Palestine should not create negative impacts for students on campus based on their identity or heritage.
“I just want you all to keep in mind that the conflict in the Middle East is 7,000 miles away from Tucson. No Jewish or Muslim student should have to feel any sort of attack for who they are because of a place that we have no control over,” Claar said. “We are so much more complex than a simple Wikipedia search will not solve. This is something that has been obviously going on since before any of us were born, and the fact that Jewish students here in this country are almost blamed for what is going on is sickening to see.”
The senate did not vote at this meeting to approve the IHRA definition of antisemitism as school policy.
Following the presentation, senators turned their attention to some internal campus concerns of accessibility challenges and broader equity initiatives. Alyssa Freeman, College of Education senator, outlined barriers affecting students with mobility challenges; in particular the lack of a direct ramp with access to administrative offices. Senators noted that while some improvements have been proposed, including renovations to restrooms and entryways, many of these changes are still in early planning stages and tied to future budget allocations.
Student Body President Adriana Grijalva discussed how to increase student engagement with the senate, especially in light of elections currently taking place. Members discussed upcoming campus events designed to foster community involvement and encouraged continued communication with the student body and emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of ASUA initiatives to ensure proper student representation.
“The best way for us to help is if as many people know what we provide and how they can utilize those resources,” Grijalva said.
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