FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2026)—Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the defense of a state law directing Kentucky’s public universities to combat the spread of antisemitism. In a brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, General Coleman stands strong for Jewish students in Kentucky and across the country who face a rising tide of hate on college campuses.
The law – 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 55 (SJR 55) –was adopted last year in response to the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses following the attacks of October 7, 2023. The law directs Kentucky’s public universities to adopt policies to “combat antisemitism within their institutions” that are guided by the definition of antisemitism established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The law reports that from 2022 to 2024 there was a 200% increase in reported instances of antisemitism on American college campuses.
Under the direction of those guidelines, the University of Kentucky temporarily suspended the teaching duties of law professor Ramsi Woodcock in July 2025. According to court documents, Woodcock allegedly called for “violence against Israel, the genocide of the Israeli people who are predominantly Jewish, and the ultimate destruction of Israel.”
Woodcock even wrote online that the October 7th attacks on Israel were “legitimate.” Woodcock, who continues to receive his full pay and benefits, sued UK to stop an investigation into his actions.
While defending the central role of the First Amendment especially on college campuses, General Coleman’s brief also makes clear that the First Amendment does not prohibit UK from investigating Woodcock for “creating a hostile environment for Jewish students.”
“There’s no place for antisemitism in the Commonwealth, especially on Kentucky’s college campuses. Universities exist to encourage and expand the minds of their students, not to spread fear, exclusion or violence,” said Attorney General Coleman. “While UK continues to investigate these loathsome statements, our Office will continue defending the law.”
In a previous letter to the UK community, President Eli Capilouto called the professor’s statements “repugnant.” The letter went on to say, “…we are obligated to act to protect our community and our people.”
Solicitor General Matt Kuhn filed the brief on behalf of the Commonwealth and was assisted by Principal Deputy Solicitor General Jack Heyburn.
Read the brief here