Governor Greg Abbott has dispatched a letter to the City of San Marcos, strongly criticizing its proposed antisemitic resolution. The Governor asserts that this resolution violates Texas state law and emphasizes the state’s firm stance against antisemitic actions.
“Israel is a stalwart ally of the United States and a friend to Texas,” the letter states. “I have repeatedly made clear that Texas will not tolerate antisemitism. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies. Over a year ago, following Hamas’s cowardly attack and campus disruptions openly celebrating terrorism, I issued an executive order addressing antisemitism in higher education. I have proudly signed legislation prohibiting government entities from supporting efforts to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel. That remains the law here.”
In his communiqué, Governor Abbott highlights that San Marcos must validate its adherence to state laws when entering into grant agreements with his office. These agreements require the City to refrain from supporting boycotts against Israel. The Governor’s Office is currently assessing active grants to ensure compliance. Should the City move forward with the resolution, the Governor intends to immediately revoke all non-compliant grants.
In a broader effort to enhance security and address antisemitism in Texas, Governor Abbott has implemented several measures in reaction to hostilities involving the State of Israel and actions from Hamas. These include allocating over $4 million in grant funding to 31 Jewish organizations for security improvements and instructing the Texas Department of Public Safety to work with local and federal partners for heightened public safety across the state.
Further actions taken by Governor Abbott include an Executive Order preventing Texas state agencies from purchasing goods from the Gaza Strip or from entities linked to Hamas, ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in solidarity with lives lost in the conflict, and enhancing educational resources to improve awareness and understanding of the Israel-Hamas conflict for Texas students.
