State Rep. Donni Steele on Wednesday introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning ongoing antisemitic hate across Michigan, labeling May 2 as End Jew-Hatred Day in Michigan. Steele was joined by many of her Republican and Democrat colleagues in introducing the resolution.

“Jewish people, especially students, are facing heightened attacks across our state. It is our responsibility as an elected body to reject all those who choose to spew hate at our Jewish friends and neighbors,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “The Senate was able to stand together as a single body and reject Jewish hate. I hope my colleagues in the House can join me and do the same.”

Anti-Israel protests are ongoing on campuses across Michigan, including Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and Northern Michigan University. More than 120 students are camped at the University of Michigan Diag, one of the most prominent spaces on campus.

Similar protests are underway across the country, the most extreme of which is at Columbia University in New York, where protestors were arrested after a hostile occupation of an administrative office. The university already canceled most in-person classes for the remainder of the semester out of fear of violent altercations between students and protestors. Elsewhere, protestors have forced the cancellation of graduation ceremonies and removed American flags from prominent campus locations.

“A significant portion of our community is Jewish, so I often hear about the fear and concern many Jewish people face. While I may not share their faith, it is my responsibility to speak up in defense of all communities I represent,” Steele said. “All people deserve a safe place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family. As leaders, we must condemn small bands of radical protestors making blatant threats against Israel and all Jewish people. When any community is being threatened, I hope that the Legislature will always be able to stand together in their defense.”

The Michigan Senate adopted a similar resolution Tuesday. The resolution will be formally introduced during session on Thursday.

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