Grassley Joins Bill to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

Grassley Joins Bill to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in introducing a bill to help combat antisemitism on college campuses, which spiked following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act would instruct the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws on campus.

"There have been disturbing reports of Jewish students on American college campuses targeted for harassment in the course of anti-Israel protests. The Education Department is charged with investigating antisemitism at higher-ed institutions, and it should be using the most effective methods to do so. We must be uncompromising in our efforts to call out and condemn antisemitism. Such hateful, discriminatory behavior has no place in our nation," Grassley said.

"Our nation's institutions of higher learning have become hotbeds of antisemitism, especially in the wake of the brutal attacks against Israel and innocent civilians by Hamas and Iran," Scott said. "It's critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head."

"Hamas' horrific terrorist attack on October 7 led to a dramatic increase in antisemitism on college campuses," Casey said. "Amidst this appalling increase, we must do everything we can to protect Jewish students on college campuses. This bill will make sure that going forward, the Education Department will take action against all forms of anti-Semitic discrimination."

Grassley, Scott and Casey are joined by 27 Senate cosponsors.

Download bill text HERE.

Background:

The IHRA's definition of antisemitism is a vital tool to clarify and identify manifestations of antisemitism. The Department of Education since 2018 has used the IHRA definition to investigate violations of Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI. The Antisemitism Awareness Act would require the agency to permanently adopt that language.

Grassley in October called on the Education Secretary to ensure universities' enforcement of federal laws against discrimination on college campuses. He also met with the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines to hear how Iowans are standing with Israel in the wake of Hamas' attack.

Learn more about several Grassley-backed priorities to support Israel HERE. Further information on his work to bring justice for victims of antisemitism follows:

• Grassley: Credit Suisse Must Embrace Sunlight In Review Of Nazi-Linked Accounts
• Credit Suisse Failed To Fully Investigate Nazi-Linked Accounts, Full Report Confirms
• Grassley, Whitehouse Recognized For Shining Light On Nazi-Linked Accounts At Credit Suisse
• Credit Suisse Maintained Nazi-Linked Accounts Into 21st Century, Subpoenaed Records Show
• Grassley Commends Danville Community For 'Bringing History To Life In Small Town Iowa'

-30-

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet