Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued an administrative order on Monday prohibiting state contracts with entities that support or participate in boycotts against the Jewish state of Israel. The order asserts the State of Alaska’s commitment to its longstanding relationship with Israel and its stance against discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, race, or nationality.
The order begins with a preamble outlining the close ties between the State of Alaska and Israel, emphasizing their mutually beneficial relationship. Dunleavy highlights that Alaska will not condone any actions that seek to boycott or isolate Israel economically or socially, citing such actions as discriminatory and against the values of the state.
The State of Alaska “has a longstanding and broad policy to refrain from contracting with business entities that unlawfully discriminate in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or treatment of its employees or customers,” the order reads.
The administrative order mandates that all future contracts entered into or approved by the State of Alaska or its public agencies must include a provision stating that support or participation in a boycott of Israel will be grounds for termination of the contract. Additionally, any requests for information, proposals, bids, or similar requests related to contracts must include a provision disqualifying any entity found to support or participate in an Israel boycott from participating in the procurement process.
However, the order provides exemptions for contracts with entities employing fewer than 10 people or contracts with a value less than $100,000. It also assigns responsibility for implementing the order to the commissioners of Administration and Transportation and Public Facilities.
The order defines “person” as any organization, business, association, corporation, or entity, excluding natural persons. It clarifies that “public agency” refers to various administrative units of the executive branch of state government, excluding specified entities such as the University of Alaska and the Alaska Railroad Corporation.
Dunleavy’s order asserts that if any provision of the order conflicts with existing state, federal, or local anti-discrimination laws, those laws will take precedence.
This administrative order, effective immediately upon issuance, signals Alaska’s unwavering support for Israel and its commitment to combatting discrimination. It aligns with similar measures adopted by other states in support of Israel and against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
