Q: Did the Iowa legislature make any changes to the anti-discrimination laws in the 2022 session?

A: Yes. In fact, this legislature passed house file 2220 which amends Iowa Code Section 216F.2 changing the definition of antisemitism.

The definition of antisemitism now refers to the definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Their website specifically states the “...non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” Additional information on this definition may be found at the US Department of State under defining antisemitism at state.gov.

The amendment to the Iowa law also includes a direction that any governing agency shall train and that such training “shall take into consideration the definition of antisemitism set forth in this chapter…” If your company is a state contractor you should also take this into consideration.

Specific examples of antisemitism provided by the state department include statements justifying harming Jews, denying the Holocaust, claims that Jews as a people or Israel as a state exaggerated the Holocaust, claiming the State of Israel is a racist endeavor. and/or using the symbols and images associated with antisemitism.