At a time of nationwide student protests over the Israel-Hamas war, The House passed legislation last Wednesday that would require the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in its anti-discrimination reviews. That definition offers “targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity” among several possible examples of antisemitism, while stating that “criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.”
While advocates say this would aid the Department of Education in combating rising harassment targeted toward Jewish students, critics fear this could limit free speech throughout college campuses.
Additionally, several House committees will be investigating universities' handling of pro-Palestinian activities, potentially targeting federal support through agencies such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, and the tax code. This comes at a time when universities across the U.S. are facing increased scrutiny over allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, amidst a rise in pro-Palestinian encampments on campuses.
Polling data reveals public opinion on the campus protests is divided, with nearly half of Americans (47%) believing colleges and universities should ban pro-Palestine demonstrations on campuses, while 41% say the same of pro-Israel demonstrations. More Americans oppose (47%) than support (28%) pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. However, more young Americans support (40%) the protests than oppose (27%) them.
The bill now goes to the Senate where its fate is uncertain.