Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Senators Bob Casey and Tim Scott, have introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act aimed at tackling antisemitic sentiment and actions on college campuses. The bill, which comes in response to a spike in antisemitism following a terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, seeks to hold colleges and universities accountable for failing to condemn such hatred.

Scott emphasized the severity of antisemitism, stating, "Antisemitism is ABSOLUTE hatred, and any college or university that fails to condemn it MUST be held accountable and stripped of all federal funding." He stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of Jewish students on campus and called for immediate action through legislation like the Antisemitism Awareness Act.

Senator Bob Casey echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need to protect Jewish students from discrimination, especially in the aftermath of Hamas' terrorist attack. He emphasized that the Education Department must take action against all forms of antisemitism to safeguard students.

Senator Tim Scott emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism on college campuses, describing them as hotbeds of such hatred. He stressed the necessity of providing the Department of Education with the tools and resources to investigate and eliminate antisemitism wherever it arises.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act aims to make permanent the usage of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism by the Department of Education. This definition helps clarify and identify various forms of antisemitism and has been utilized by the Department since 2018.

The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with a number of Senators co-sponsoring it. The Act builds upon Senator Rick Scott's previous resolution condemning antisemitism and endorsing the IHRA definition. This resolution reinforces the federal government's commitment to combating antisemitism in all its forms and sends a strong message of solidarity with the Jewish community.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act represents a significant step in addressing the rising antisemitism on college campuses and ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students.