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Sens. Scott and Casey Propose Anti-Semitism Awareness Act

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March 27, 2019
Photo from Flickr.

Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act on March 26 to help combat anti-Semitism taking place on college campuses.

The bill uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, which includes the demonization and delegitimization of Israel, and mentions that subjecting Israel to a double standard is an example of anti-Semitism. The bill goes on to state that this definition of anti-Semitism should be used by the Department of Education (DOE) when it’s reviewing if there is a violation of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act on campus.

Title VI states that “discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin” is prohibited.

“Anti-Semitism, and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics with a religious group, remains a persistent, disturbing problem in elementary and secondary schools and on college campuses,” the bill states. “Students from a range of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish, Arab Muslim, and Sikh students, are being threatened, harassed, or intimidated in their schools (including on their campuses) on the basis of their shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics including through harassing conduct that creates a hostile environment so severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit some students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or opportunities offered by schools.”

The bill is reportedly expected to pass the Senate.

Scott said in a statement, “It is crucial to have clear and concise language defining anti-Semitism in the event that violence and hatred occurs. The unfortunate rise in these incidents across the country must be met with swift and unwavering condemnation. We must stand together against racism and bigotry by ensuring that justice is served against those who seek to divide us.”

Casey similarly said in a statement, “This legislation is aimed at a particularly troubling manifestation of the growing problem of discrimination against those of Jewish faith or Jewish ancestry. I’m proud to work with Senator Scott on this bill, which aims to combat anti-Semitism and help investigate illegal discrimination on college campuses.”

Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt praised the bill in a statement.

“This will help the federal government determine whether an anti-Semitic or anti-Israel incident crosses the line from protected free expression into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct, because investigations would be informed by the current, widely accepted definition of anti-Semitism,” Greenblatt said. “We applaud Senators Scott’s and Casey’s leadership in sponsoring this important legislation, which will help protect Jewish students from discrimination on campus, while not infringing on the free speech of all students.”

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