Feenstra Votes to Combat Antisemitism, Protect Jewish Students from Harassment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Antisemitism Awareness Act. This legislation would require the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a universally accepted standard, when enforcing laws and rules against discrimination in education programs and on college campuses.

Currently, the Department of Education lacks a clear definition of antisemitism to protect Jewish students from intimidation, harassment, and hateful conduct.

“Antisemitism has no place in our country. Jewish students should feel safe to learn and grow at our nation’s colleges and universities without facing harassment, intimidation, and other hateful conduct that far surpasses the parameters of free speech,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This legislation ensures that the Department of Education uses a universally accepted definition of antisemitism to protect Jewish students from discrimination and hold individuals accountable who violate university policies. As a friend of our Jewish community, I call on university presidents nationwide to protect Jewish students and punish students who use hate and bigotry to target their peers.”

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