Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025, directs the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism when investigating potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This directive applies specifically to discrimination cases in education programs or activities based on an individual's actual or perceived shared Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics. The legislation aims to provide a consistent framework for identifying and addressing antisemitic intent in such instances. The bill reinforces the understanding that Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, and that discrimination against Jews rooted in shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics falls under this protection. It emphasizes that the United States policy is to vigorously enforce Title VI against antisemitism, aligning with previous executive actions and the Department of Education's existing practices. By adopting the IHRA definition, including its contemporary examples, the bill seeks to improve enforcement efforts against the rising tide of antisemitism. Importantly, the Act includes several rules of construction to clarify its scope. It explicitly states that it does not expand the Secretary of Education's authority, alter existing standards for actionable discrimination, or diminish any other legal or constitutional rights, including those protected by the First Amendment . This ensures that the application of the IHRA definition is consistent with established legal frameworks and protections.