Johnson Bill Protects Against Ethnic Intimidation

COLUMBUS— The Ohio State Senate passed Senate Bill 87, sponsored by State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), legislation which expands the offense of ethnic intimidation to include riots based on the race, color, religion, or national origin of another person or persons.

"Over two years ago, following the horrific, brutal, merciless October 7th sneak attack on Israel, we witnessed a concerning wave of extremist demonstrations across several American college campuses," said Senator Johnson. "Such experiences not only created a hostile environment for Jewish students, but also undermined the principles that universities claim to uphold. We want to see no further examples of such hostilities to any ethnic group."

Senate Bill 87 also defines antisemitism for civil and administrative purposes only, in accordance with Governor DeWine’s executive order, which has been in place since 2022.

"These protests have crossed the line into hatred by targeting Jewish students and expressing uncivilized rhetoric," added Senator Johnson. "It is essential for campuses, especially our state universities, to actively investigate and address antisemitism and other forms of ethnic intimidation."

Senate Bill 87 has been sent to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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