The Jewish Federation of Tulsa proudly announces the passage of two landmark pieces of legislation—Senate Bill 991 and Senate Bill 942—by the Oklahoma State Legislature. These historic measures mark a major step forward in protecting Jewish communities and the civil rights of Jewish students across the state. Both bills passed with strong bipartisan support in the House and Senate and now await the Governor’s signature.

SB 991 adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, providing Oklahoma’s public institutions with a clear and actionable framework for identifying and addressing anti-Jewish hate. SB 942 affirms that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to Jewish students, ensuring they are protected from discrimination and harassment in publicly funded educational settings.

“This is a watershed moment for Jewish life in Oklahoma,” said Joe Roberts, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. “At a time when antisemitism is rising across the country—and appearing in our own backyards—these bills make an unmistakable moral statement: Jews in Oklahoma deserve the same safety, dignity, and protection under the law as anyone else.”

The legislation was championed by a task force led by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, working in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, as well as national and statewide allies including the Combat Antisemitism Movement, the Anti-Defamation League, Christians United for Israel, Oklahoma Hillels, the End Jew Hatred Movement, the Jewish Federations of North America, and StandWithUs.

“This is not just a victory for the Jewish community,” Roberts continued. “It’s a victory for the values America is built on—equal protection, civil rights, and human dignity. These bills affirm that those values matter in Oklahoma.”

While the vast majority of lawmakers stood with the Jewish community, a small but vocal minority opposed the bills—some invoking rhetoric that ranged from dismissive to problematic.

“The fact that we had to debate whether Jewish students deserve protection should trouble every Oklahoman,” Roberts said. “But today’s vote proved something important: when we show up, when we educate, when we speak with one voice, justice can still prevail.”

Roberts emphasized that this win is not the end of the work, but a powerful affirmation of what is possible.

“This victory isn’t the end of our work,” he added. “But it is a powerful reminder that we are not alone. We organized. We advocated. We told the truth. And today, Oklahoma responded with justice.”

The Jewish Federation of Tulsa extends its deep thanks to the legislators who stood in support, the task force partners who joined the fight, and the many community members who made their voices heard. This is what strength, solidarity, and moral clarity look like in action.