SB 87 is legislation currently moving through the Ohio Senate that raises serious concerns for free speech, civil liberties, and constitutional protections.
This bill would incorporate the IHRA definition of antisemitism into Ohio law and attach it to the state’s ethnic intimidation statute. Legal experts and civil rights advocates have warned that doing so risks conflating political speech with discriminatory intent and could create a chilling effect on protest, academic discussion, journalism, and advocacy.
Ohio already has strong laws addressing hate crimes, discrimination, and religious protections. SB 87 does not fill a legal gap. Instead, it introduces vague language that could invite selective enforcement and viewpoint-based scrutiny of political expression.
Thousands of Ohioans have already expressed concern, and we are hearing daily from individuals and organizations seeking ways to help.
We need broad, statewide support to ensure lawmakers understand the constitutional, legal, and community impact of this legislation.
How your organization can help
1. Contact lawmakers
Encourage your members to call and email their state senators, especially Judiciary Committee members and their own district representatives.
Calls and emails from constituents remain the most effective way to influence legislative outcomes.
Toolkit (call scripts & action steps):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q9bhUe_o_GTh2wDT0S-uGuGT9IX3FIdXda7LVL4kjbk/edit?usp=drivesdk
2. Prepare testimony & expert voices
Opponent testimony is scheduled February 18 at 9:45 AM.
We are actively seeking:
- Law professors and constitutional scholars
- Civil rights attorneys
- Faith leaders
- Jewish community voices
- Students and educators
- Community members impacted by free speech concerns
If you or someone in your network can testify, please connect them with Jay 614-441-5461.
3. Media & public awareness
We urgently need support organizing a press conference to bring public attention to the civil liberties concerns raised by SB 87.
Preferred dates: February 17 or February 18
Goals:
- Highlight constitutional and free speech concerns
- Elevate Jewish, faith, legal, academic, and civil rights voices
- Ensure media coverage before opponent testimony
- Inform the public about the bill’s impact
We are seeking assistance with:
- Identifying speakers and partner organizations
- Securing a location (Statehouse preferred)
- Media outreach and press advisories
- Coordinating turnout and visuals
If your organization has experience with media coordination or can help make this press conference successful, your support would be invaluable.
4. Spread awareness & mobilize
Please share the toolkit with your networks and encourage members to stay engaged over the coming weeks.
If you know individuals or organizations we should connect with, please reply with their contact information.
We will continue to send updates as more information becomes available. This legislation is moving quickly, and coordinated action now is essential.
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to protecting constitutional rights and civil liberties in Ohio.
