House Passes Antisemitism Awareness Act Amid Campus Unrest: Broadening Definitions and Controversies

The House passed the Antisemitism Awareness Act amid ongoing campus unrest, aiming to expand the definition of antisemitism in discussions on free speech and discrimination at colleges. Led by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and supported by a bipartisan coalition, the bill received a 320-91 vote in favor. The Act, previously endorsed unanimously by both parties in October, gained significance following the deadly Hamas attacks resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis.

The bill’s approval marks a significant development in combating antisemitism, broadening the scope of what constitutes antisemitic harassment and its implications for campus protests under federal anti-discrimination laws. The Act defines antisemitism to include denying Jewish self-determination in Israel and assigning collective blame to Jews for Israeli government actions.

Under the Act, the Department of Education is mandated to adopt the antisemitism definition outlined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for federal anti-discrimination laws. This definition encompasses hatred toward Jews and includes assertions of Israel being a racist state or comparing Israeli policies to those of the Nazis.

However, some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jerry Nadler, raised concerns that the Act might restrict constitutionally protected free speech. Nadler, who is Jewish, warned of potential bias towards a singular definition of antisemitism, fearing it could hinder legitimate discourse.

Antisemitism-related tensions have heightened on nearly 30 campuses, particularly in light of events in the Gaza region.