University press releases or national education reports

House Passes Antisemitism Bill 320-91; Biden Condemns Campus Violence

May 2, 2024, 03:32 PM

In a series of recent developments, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, H.R. 6090, with a vote of 320-91. This legislation, introduced on the first day of Jewish American Heritage Month 2024, aims to combat rising antisemitism on college campuses by providing the Department of Education with a clear definition of antisemitism and the necessary resources to investigate and address hate incidents. The bill, cosponsored by RepMikeLawler and others, codifies the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into law, a move supported by both parties. Amid these legislative actions, President Joe Biden addressed the nation from the White House, condemning violent protests on campuses related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He emphasized that violent protest is not protected and that order must prevail, stating there is no place for antisemitism or any form of hate speech in America.