Following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel, incidents of antisemitic harassment have surged by over 500 percent on U.S. college campuses. Despite this alarming trend, many higher education institutions have failed to address or prevent such acts and have not been held accountable.
In response, U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) have introduced the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act, a bill designed to hold colleges and universities accountable for allowing antisemitism to flourish.
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The bill seeks to enforce federal prohibitions on antisemitism by strengthening measures under existing civil rights laws.
“Colleges and universities claim to value diversity and inclusion but have failed to address dangerous antisemitic incidents that have plagued campuses for the past year. My bill is a critical step toward ensuring that our educational institutions fulfill their responsibility to protect Jewish students from hate and discrimination,” said Senator Rubio.
“Jewish students deserve to feel safe. Any college or university that enables antisemitism and leaves students fearing for their safety must be held accountable. I am proud to join Senator Rubio in introducing this bill to address these urgent issues,” added Senator Scott.
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Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Expanding Title VI Protections: The bill extends the scope of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on religion, with exceptions for religiously affiliated programs or activities.
- Escalating Penalties: It establishes clear, escalating penalties for institutions that are repeat offenders of antisemitic discrimination.
- Vigorous Enforcement: The bill mandates that Title VI be enforced as rigorously for antisemitism as it is for other forms of discrimination.
- Transparency: Colleges and universities found in violation of Title VI must notify students, faculty, and staff.
- Monitoring by Department of Education: The U.S. Department of Education would be required to monitor private lawsuits brought against colleges receiving federal funding for antisemitism-related issues.
The Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act aims to ensure that educational institutions take meaningful steps to protect Jewish students and create a safer environment for all.
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