DeLauro Votes in Support of Antisemitism Awareness Act

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro released a statement after voting in favor of the Antisemitism Awareness Act, legislation that requires the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when determining if an action violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

"Antisemitic sentiment is growing across the country, and it is our duty as lawmakers to stand against hate in all its forms. Since October 7, antisemitic incidents in the United States have skyrocketed over 360%. Students and community members across the country are afraid, and they need to know that we take their fear seriously. Historically, we have seen the horrors that can occur if we fail to stand against hate, particularly antisemitism. This bill will empower the Education Department to broaden investigations into antisemitic activity, ensuring that Jewish students have safeguards in place to protect themselves and our broader community from hate speech.

"Incidents of anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian discrimination and hate have also risen in the United States in the three months following Hamas' attack and Israel's subsequent assault on Gazaby about 180%. Hate and violence of any kind has no place in our communities.

"Standing against antisemitism in all its forms does not mean we cannot also criticize the Israeli government for its actions. Innocent Palestinians are being slaughtered by the thousands and facing starvation in Gaza. That cannot stand. Students across the country, including in our district, are standing up for these innocent civilians that are caught in the middle of this conflict. I share the righteous anger many of them feel about the situation in Gaza, which is why I have been fighting for the humanitarian aid innocent Palestinian civilians need to survive this conflict and avoid famine. There should be 500 trucks a day going into Gaza. Ten days ago, I helped lead the passage of $9.1 billion in humanitarian aid which will support the needs of innocent civilians in Gaza and other conflict areas.

"Freedom of expression is a founding principle of our democracy and I support the right to protest. However, those protests must be peaceful and cannot fuel hateful rhetoric that further marginalizes the Jewish or Muslim communities."