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Joint Statement from Rep. Kresha and Chair Nornes on University of Minnesota Student Referendum

Monday, March 12, 2018

Joint Statement from Rep. Kresha and Chair Nornes on University of Minnesota Student Referendum

ST. PAUL, MN – Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) and Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls), who chairs the House committee on higher education, released the following statement in light of the University of Minnesota’s recent student referendum regarding discrimination against the state of Israel:

“There is absolutely no place for discrimination anywhere in Minnesota, especially on our college campuses. Given the global movement to boycott, divest, and sanction Israeli companies, we supported and passed a bill to stop this practice last session. It enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support, and was ultimately signed into law by Governor Dayton. This is why we are disappointed and troubled by the outcome of the recent student referendum at the University of Minnesota, which aims to require the University to divest from companies doing business with Israel. We applaud President Kaler for clearly acknowledging that this movement has fueled discrimination toward Jewish students on campus, and for signaling that the University will not pursue this unjust policy in spite of the referendum’s results. Our commitment to opposing anti-Israel discrimination, regardless of where it occurs or the form it takes, remains unwavering.”

Rep. Kresha was the chief author of HF400, which bars the state of Minnesota from engaging in business contracts with companies or organizations who discriminate against Israeli companies. The bill passed the House on an overwhelming 103-28 vote, and on a 57-8 vote in the Senate. It was signed into law by Governor Dayton last May.

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