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A bill that addresses some types of discrimination in Georgia schools and colleges sailed through the House Wednesday. State Representatives gave unanimous approval to Senate Bill 523, by Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell, that would establish a Georgia-based process for investigating complaints of discrimination involving race, ethnicity, national origin or religion.

Another version of the bill passed the Senate earlier this month that would have required public schools to treat harassment or discrimination motivated by antisemitism the same as religious discrimination. That language was changed in the House version, and the bill now goes back to the Senate for an agree.

“I want to thank the House for taking action on a Senate priority that ensures students across Georgia are protected from discrimination,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Today and every day, I stand with Georgia’s Jewish Community and any students who have been wrongfully discriminated against. I condemn the wave of anti-Semitic acts and speech we continue to see in our country and throughout Georgia communities. These horrific acts are unacceptable, and this hatred and hostile way of thinking will not be tolerated. I will prioritize the final passage of Senate Bill 523 by the Senate, and I look forward to Governor Brian Kemp signing this measure into law.”

Earlier in the day, Jones was joined at the Capitol by former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer to discuss this priority and other measures the Georgia Senate is taking to address anti-Semitism.

According to Jones, Senate Bill 523 would require the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish policies and procedures regarding discrimination complaints, and it would require the Department of Education to designate a state-wide K-12 Title VI Coordinator.

This coordinator would oversee the receipt, monitoring, and investigation of complaints of discrimination in public schools. Based on the coordinator’s findings, GaDOE may recommend corrective actions to public schools, and the State Board of Education (SBOE) is authorized to withhold funds to schools that fail to comply with these recommended actions.

SB 523 also states that its provisions should not be construed to infringe on constitutionally protected free speech rights.