CAIR-OK Condemns Passage of Laws that Restrict Free Speech, Shut Down Campus Protest
(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 5/9/2025) – The Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today expressed free speech concerns over the signing of SB 942 and SB 991 by Governor Kevin Stitt.
“We are disappointed that the Oklahoma legislature, and Governor Stitt, saw fit to enshrine vague and overly broad new laws that restrict free speech under the guise of protecting vulnerable communities,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Veronica Laizure. “While we care deeply about fighting antisemitism as it appears in Oklahoma, we also believe that Oklahomans should have the right to express their concerns about human rights violations and to stand up against injustice. These bills are a dangerous attempt to stifle ongoing conversations about critical global affairs, especially on college and university campuses, where free speech and discourse should be protected.”
SEE: I drafted the definition of antisemitism. Rightwing Jews are weaponizing it
SB 942 and SB 991 would enshrine into state law the controversial definition of antisemitism promulgated by the International Holocaust Remembrance Association (IHRA), including the so-called “contemporary examples,” which have been used to stifle ongoing protests surrounding the violence carried out in Gaza and in Palestine since October 2023. One of the principal authors of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, Professor Kenneth Stern, has specifically stated that it was never intended to stifle free speech.
SEE: Weaponizing antisemitism makes students ‘less safe,’ says drafter of definition
The IHRA definition of antisemitism has been challenged in a number of jurisdictions, including by entities such as the ACLU, the National Lawyers Guild, the Center for Constitutional Rights, who all oppose its codification into law.
SEE: Letter: Civil Rights Groups Demand DOE Reject IHRA Definition of Antisemitism
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
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