This bill significantly expands protections against discrimination under federal law by amending Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 . It explicitly prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, alongside existing protections for race, color, and national origin. However, this religious discrimination prohibition does not apply to programs conducted by or affiliated with religious organizations. The legislation clarifies that "discrimination" includes deliberate indifference to harassment that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, thereby undermining a victim's educational experience. It establishes a policy for vigorous enforcement of Title VI against antisemitic discrimination , defining antisemitism as a perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred, with rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at Jewish individuals, property, or institutions. Furthermore, the bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to introduce new sanctions for institutions of higher education found in violation of Title VI due to antisemitic discrimination. For a second violation within five years, institutions face a fine of at least 10% of federal financial assistance for the affected program, escalating to at least 33% for a third violation. Institutions found in violation must also notify their students, faculty, and staff of the finding, and the Secretary of Education is mandated to monitor private lawsuits and report on enforcement actions.
Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-826| Senate
| Updated: 3/4/2025
This bill significantly expands protections against discrimination under federal law by amending Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 . It explicitly prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, alongside existing protections for race, color, and national origin. However, this religious discrimination prohibition does not apply to programs conducted by or affiliated with religious organizations. The legislation clarifies that "discrimination" includes deliberate indifference to harassment that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, thereby undermining a victim's educational experience. It establishes a policy for vigorous enforcement of Title VI against antisemitic discrimination , defining antisemitism as a perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred, with rhetorical and physical manifestations directed at Jewish individuals, property, or institutions. Furthermore, the bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to introduce new sanctions for institutions of higher education found in violation of Title VI due to antisemitic discrimination. For a second violation within five years, institutions face a fine of at least 10% of federal financial assistance for the affected program, escalating to at least 33% for a third violation. Institutions found in violation must also notify their students, faculty, and staff of the finding, and the Secretary of Education is mandated to monitor private lawsuits and report on enforcement actions.