How FAR Should States Go Against Hate?

The Anti-Defamation League has released its first Jewish Policy Index, naming nine states that meet its criteria for combating antisemitism and prompting renewed discussion over how anti-hate policies should be structured and enforced.

At a Glance

  • Nine states meet the ADL’s standards for combating antisemitism
  • Index measures policies, not hate crime statistics
  • Recommendations include stronger laws, enforcement, and education
  • Critics raise questions about state autonomy and free speech protections
  • Education and law enforcement may need to revise policies in response

A New State-by-State Policy Benchmark

On August 8, 2025, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released the Jewish Policy Index, identifying Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia as meeting its standards for addressing antisemitism. The index evaluates state policies on anti-hate legislation, enforcement mechanisms, and educational initiatives, marking a shift from focusing solely on incident data.

The ADL’s goal is to highlight legislative gaps and encourage states to strengthen legal protections for Jewish communities. Its recommendations emphasize comprehensive anti-hate laws, consistent enforcement, and educational measures to reduce bias. The index is designed to serve as a national reference point for evaluating state readiness to address antisemitism and other forms of hate.

Watch now: ADL Unveils Jewish Policy Index and State Rankings · YouTube

Policy Implications and Areas of Disagreement

The index has generated discussion among policymakers, advocacy groups, and legal scholars. Supporters see it as a tool for improving consistency and accountability across states, while some stakeholders raise concerns about its potential impact on local governance and constitutional rights.

Critics note that centralized benchmarks, if adopted into law, could influence free speech standards and shift decision-making away from local jurisdictions. Legal analysts point out that state-level variations in enforcement, funding, and community engagement mean that meeting policy benchmarks does not guarantee uniform outcomes.

The National Education Association (NEA) has reviewed its partnerships in light of the index, reflecting broader conversations about the role of national organizations in shaping local education and enforcement strategies.

Stakeholders and Long-Term Considerations

The ADL, state governments, educators, and community organizations each play a role in implementing or responding to the index’s findings. State legislators and governors determine policy adoption, while schools and law enforcement agencies may adjust training, curricula, and reporting processes.

Experts in constitutional law stress the importance of balancing strong protections against antisemitism with safeguards for individual liberties. While the ADL’s index is widely cited and may influence policy development, its recommendations remain subject to legislative interpretation and local priorities.

Over time, the index could contribute to more uniform anti-hate policies nationwide, but implementation will depend on how states address the balance between security, community safety, and constitutional limits.

Sources

NEA

ADL

Jewish Insider

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