U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) has co-sponsored the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism and its contemporary examples when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws.
“The amount of antisemitism we consistently see on college campuses is disturbing and unacceptable,” said Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District. “Colleges and universities have long been breeding grounds of antisemitism and the recent Hamas attack has taken it to the next level. Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we crack down on antisemitic hate within our own country. The Antisemitism Awareness Act is a strong step in the right direction on this front, providing the Department of Education with a clear definition of antisemitism in order to combat this scourge on college campuses. The fact is, antisemitism is rampant in our country and we must quash it as quickly as possible.”
Lawler is joined by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Max Miller (R-OH) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in bringing the legislation to the House of Representatives; a companion bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC).
“I’m thankful for the bipartisan support of the Antisemitism Awareness Act and for the support from a wide range of Jewish organizations that are standing up, endorsing this legislation, and saying enough is enough,” said Lawler. “We must confront antisemitism at all times, unequivocally.”
