In response to rising anti-Semitic incidents across the United States, particularly on college campuses, President Trump issued a new executive order today, reinforcing federal efforts to combat discrimination against Jewish students and communities. The order builds on Executive Order 13899, originally issued in 2019, which expanded civil rights protections for Jewish Americans in educational institutions.
The new directive comes in the wake of increased anti-Semitic threats, vandalism, and violence following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel.
Trump stated that these attacks unleashed “an unprecedented wave of vile anti-Semitic discrimination,” particularly targeting Jewish students in schools and universities. The administration’s latest move seeks to strengthen legal and enforcement measures to hold accountable those responsible for such acts.
READ: Alan Dershowitz Says ICC ‘Destroyed Itself’ With Netanyahu Warrant
The order mandates that all federal agencies submit a comprehensive report within 60 days outlining legal tools available to address anti-Semitism, particularly in educational institutions. This includes:
- An inventory of all civil and criminal cases related to campus anti-Semitism post-October 7, 2023.
- A review of pending Title VI complaints within the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
- Recommendations on ensuring institutions of higher education are aware of grounds for inadmissibility for foreign students and staff involved in anti-Semitic activities.
The Attorney General’s office has been tasked with analyzing all court cases involving institutions accused of violating civil rights laws due to anti-Semitic incidents. The Department of Education will assess administrative actions related to such cases in both higher education and K-12 schools.
Trump’s order follows growing concerns from Congress regarding the federal government’s handling of anti-Semitic incidents on campuses. A joint report from multiple House committees called the previous administration’s failure to address anti-Semitism “astounding.”
READ: Alan Dershowitz Assembles ‘Legal Dream Team’ In Wake Of Netanyahu Indictment
Jewish students have reported an alarming rise in harassment, intimidation, and violence, including being denied access to campus common areas, libraries, and classrooms. The new measures are expected to ensure that educational institutions take stronger action against those responsible for such discrimination.
Trump reaffirmed that his administration will use all legal tools available to combat anti-Semitism, emphasizing that perpetrators of unlawful harassment or violence will be prosecuted, removed, or otherwise held accountable.
Federal agencies now have two months to finalize their reports and propose additional measures for enforcement. This move is expected to result in tighter regulations for universities and K-12 institutions, ensuring that Jewish students receive the same civil rights protections as all other American citizens.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.