WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and John Fetterman (D-PA) re-introduced the Protecting Students on Campus Act, legislation that empowers students to file civil rights complaints if they experience violence or harassment on college campuses due to their heritage. Cassidy and Fetterman previously introduced this legislation amid rampant antisemitic incidents on college campuses in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 massacre in Israel.
“The threats and attacks against Jewish students since October 7 are despicable. No one should fear for their safety at school because of who they are,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bipartisan bill holds universities accountable to address discrimination and maintain a safe learning environment for all students.”
“Colleges should be places for students to learn and grow, and the Protecting Students on Campus Act would help ensure that they are exactly that,” said Senator Fetterman. “This bill is about protecting young people facing discrimination on college campuses and making sure they know their rights. The increasing rates of discrimination, including harassment, hateful speech, instances of vandalism have left students feeling unsafe and threatened based on their race or what country they’re from, particularly over the last couple years. Colleges need to do more to protect students and help them find paths to recourse. This bill would help us get clearer view of where these terrible acts are happening, understand actions taken by colleges to address these occurrences, and hold colleges accountable.”
Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the Department of Education (DeptEd) must hold universities accountable for failing to address discrimination against students on campuses. Complaints filed by students who face discrimination, or on their behalf, are handled by the DeptEd’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents on college campuses were up almost 500 percent between 2023 and 2024, totaling 1,200 reports. Since October 7, Cassidy has led Senate Republicans in addressing antisemitism and attacks against Jewish students on college campuses. Specifically, he led a bipartisan roundtable on antisemitism, where panelists discussed how Jewish students were not aware of their universities’ Title VI responsibilities or their ability as students to file civil rights complaints if they experience discrimination.
The Protecting Students on Campus Act:
The legislation is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee.
“In the aftermath of Hamas’s barbaric attack on October 7th, we have witnessed a tsunami of antisemitism on college and university campuses. According to ADL’s survey results, 73% of Jewish college students experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism since the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, and only 46% of Jewish students felt physically safe campus. More must be done to protect Jewish students, hold universities accountable, and improve transparency and safeguards against this hate. ADL thanks Senators Cassidy and Fetterman for reintroducing the Protecting Students on Campus Act and urges its swift passage,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO, Anti-Defamation League.
“In the aftermath of October 7, antisemitic incidents -- including those glorifying and justifying Hamas’s assault -- have occurred throughout the U.S. on college campuses and at an increasing number of secondary schools. AJC's (American Jewish Committee) 2023 State of Antisemitism in America Report found that 24% of current or recent college students say they felt uncomfortable or unsafe at a campus event because they are Jewish. Even more concerning, one in four reported that they have avoided wearing, carrying, or displaying things that would identify them as Jewish. No person should have to hide who they are or what they believe. AJC applauds Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for leading the Protecting Students on Campus Act. This legislation empowers students to report incidents of antisemitism, prejudice, and hate, ensuring that our institutions of higher education are effectively addressing discrimination complaints and remain a welcoming space for all,” said Ted Deutch, CEO, American Jewish Committee.
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