This bill mandates 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. Specifically, this consideration applies to cases of discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived shared Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics within education programs or activities. The IHRA definition, which includes its contemporary examples , will be used to help assess whether a practice was motivated by antisemitic intent. Congress finds that antisemitism is increasing and impacting Jewish students, and that the IHRA definition is a vital tool for identifying its various manifestations. The bill emphasizes that while Title VI does not cover discrimination solely based on religion, individuals facing discrimination due to shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including Jewish individuals, are protected. This Act clarifies that it does not expand the Secretary of Education's authority, alter existing standards for actionable discrimination, or diminish any rights protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.
This bill mandates 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. Specifically, this consideration applies to cases of discrimination based on an individual's actual or perceived shared Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics within education programs or activities. The IHRA definition, which includes its contemporary examples , will be used to help assess whether a practice was motivated by antisemitic intent. Congress finds that antisemitism is increasing and impacting Jewish students, and that the IHRA definition is a vital tool for identifying its various manifestations. The bill emphasizes that while Title VI does not cover discrimination solely based on religion, individuals facing discrimination due to shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including Jewish individuals, are protected. This Act clarifies that it does not expand the Secretary of Education's authority, alter existing standards for actionable discrimination, or diminish any rights protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.