In a significant bipartisan effort to address the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act. This bill directs the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic incidents under federal anti-discrimination laws. Companion legislation is being led in the House by Congressmen Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ).
A Response to Rising Campus Antisemitism
The introduction of the bill follows a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, particularly on college campuses, in the wake of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. According to a recent survey, 83% of Jewish college students reported experiencing or witnessing antisemitism since the attack.
“Antisemitism is on the rise across the nation, particularly on college campuses, and Congress has a responsibility to do everything in its power to fight back against this hate,” said Senator Rosen. She emphasized that this legislation will help protect Jewish students from bigotry and discrimination.
Senator Scott underscored the urgency of the issue, stating:
“In the continued aftermath of the October 7th attacks on Israel, we have seen college campuses across our nation become hotbeds of antisemitism where Jewish students’ rights are being threatened.”
What the Bill Will Do
The Antisemitism Awareness Act seeks to clarify when antisemitic incidents cross the line from free speech into harassment, unlawful conduct, or discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. By incorporating the IHRA definition—already adopted by more than 40 countries and 35 U.S. states—the bill ensures that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, is recognized and addressed by federal authorities.
The IHRA definition includes a broad understanding of antisemitism, covering traditional forms of anti-Jewish hate as well as contemporary expressions, such as denying Israel’s right to exist or holding Jewish individuals collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
Broad Bipartisan and Community Support
The bill has garnered strong bipartisan backing, with numerous lawmakers co-sponsoring the legislation. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are among those supporting the initiative.
Jewish advocacy groups have also endorsed the legislation:
- Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), highlighted the urgent need for action:
“As ADL data shows, antisemitism is at crisis levels in the United States. The Antisemitism Awareness Act makes clear that antisemitism, including anti-Zionist harassment, has no place in our schools or society.” - Stephanie Hausner, COO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, emphasized the bill’s role in holding universities accountable:
“We continue to see university administrators struggle to identify and address antisemitism. The AAA will provide the necessary tools to support Jewish students and discipline those who engage in antisemitic discrimination.” - Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), pointed to alarming statistics from an upcoming report:
“Three in ten American adults are either unsure of what antisemitism means or have never heard the term. Among young Americans, that number jumps to 41%. This bill ensures clarity and action against antisemitic hate.”
A History of Bipartisan Efforts Against Antisemitism
Senator Rosen has been a leading voice in combating antisemitism and strengthening Holocaust education. She co-founded the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and successfully pushed for the creation of the first-ever U.S. national strategy to counter antisemitism. In 2023, her bipartisan Never Again Education Act was reauthorized into law, expanding Holocaust education in schools.
The bill follows former President Trump’s 2019 executive order, which first applied Title VI protections to Jewish students and adopted the IHRA definition for federal civil rights investigations. This new legislation would permanently codify those protections into law.
Next Steps
With rising concerns over campus safety, lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging Congress to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act swiftly. If enacted, it would provide a critical legal framework for addressing antisemitism in educational institutions nationwide, ensuring Jewish students can study free from fear, harassment, and discrimination.