Duval Times

Following the terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and a reported rise in antisemitism on college campuses, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio have introduced the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act. This bill aims to hold Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) accountable by enforcing federal prohibitions against antisemitism. Reports indicate that since the attack, incidents of antisemitic harassment have surged over 500 percent at U.S. colleges, with many institutions failing to address or prevent these issues.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need for accountability: “Jewish students deserve to be safe, and any college or university in this nation that’s enabling antisemitism on campus and leaving students terrified for their safety must be held accountable. Colleges and universities must reject all forms of hate and prejudice and hold those accountable who are complicit in the rise in antisemitism we are seeing on campuses across the country. I am proud to join Senator Rubio in introducing the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act to address these issues head-on.”

Senator Marco Rubio highlighted concerns about institutional responses: “Colleges and universities claim to value diversity and inclusion but have failed to address dangerous antisemitic incidents that have been plaguing campuses for the past year. My Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act is a critical step toward ensuring that our educational institutions carry out their responsibility to protect Jewish students from hate and discrimination.”

The proposed legislation seeks several measures:

- Extending Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include religious discrimination, with exceptions for religiously affiliated programs.

- Establishing clear penalties for repeat offenders among IHEs.

- Mandating rigorous enforcement of Title VI against antisemitic acts.

- Requiring IHEs found violating Title VI to inform students, faculty, and staff.

- Instructing the U.S. Department of Education to oversee private lawsuits concerning federally funded colleges involved in antisemitism cases.

Further details about Senator Scott's actions supporting Israel can be found at his official website.