East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Tim Scott, alongside a group of Senate colleagues, have introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, aimed at tackling antisemitism on college campuses. The bill proposes the use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism to guide investigations into antisemitic acts on campus.

"Jewish students should feel safe and protected from harassment on college campuses," stated Senator Crapo, emphasizing the importance of providing guidance to universities to prevent antisemitic behavior in the education system.

Senator Scott highlighted the urgency of addressing antisemitism in higher education, stating, "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."

The bill comes in response to a concerning trend highlighted by the Anti-Defamation League, which reported a 488 percent increase in violent language and threats against the Jewish community and Israel following terror attacks by Hamas in 2023.

The IHRA definition of antisemitism outlined in the bill includes various forms of hatred and discrimination against Jews, such as calling for harm against Jews, making stereotypical allegations, Holocaust denialism, and denying the Jewish people the right to self-determination.

Joining Crapo and Scott in introducing the legislation are a bipartisan group of Senators, including Bob Casey, Jacky Rosen, James Lankford, Ron Wyden, Rick Scott, Michael Bennet, and others. The bill aims to equip the Department of Education with clear guidelines to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish students on college campuses.