Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.
Impact
If passed, AB 4853 will require participating institutions to integrate the monitor's recommendations into their operations. Educational institutions will be under the obligation to demonstrate compliance; failure to do so could result in penalties, including a reduction or withdrawal of state funding and loss of eligibility for student assistance programs administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. This aims to promote a zero-tolerance approach toward antisemitism and enhance accountability among higher education institutions.
Summary
Assembly Bill 4853 seeks to enhance the monitoring and reporting of antisemitism at institutions of higher education in New Jersey. The bill empowers the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint an antisemitism monitor at any institution, intending to ensure the protection and safety of Jewish students and staff. This role includes reviewing the institution's policies concerning antisemitism, evaluating the implementation of these policies, and fostering a safe academic environment. Furthermore, the monitor is tasked with creating a system for reporting incidents of antisemitism, allowing for anonymous submissions.
Contention
The implementation of this bill may spark debate regarding its implications for academic freedom and the autonomy of educational institutions. Critics may argue that the appointment of a state monitor could lead to overreach, infringing on local governance and potentially creating a chilling effect on free speech within campuses. Supporters, however, contend that the bill is a necessary step in addressing rising antisemitism and ensuring safe educational environments for all students, particularly those of the Jewish faith.
Same As
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
Requires public institutions of higher education to submit annual fiscal monitoring report; authorizes Secretary of Higher Education to appoint State monitor of certain institutions; requires higher education chief financial officers complete training; annually appropriates $100,000.
"Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus.
"Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus.
Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor.
College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability Act of 2025 or the COLUMBIA Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to appoint third-party anti-Semitism monitors at certain institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, ED must establish this program to appoint a monitor at an IHE that (1) has a high incidence of anti-Semitic activity (based on data received from ED's Office for Civil Rights), and (2) receives federal funds for higher education. ED must develop an anti-Semitism monitorship agreement that (1) designates the terms and conditions of the monitorship, and (2) requires the IHE to provide for the monitor's reasonable expenses. The bill requires the monitor tooperate under the monitorship agreement developed by ED and entered into with the IHE; provide publicly available quarterly reports that evaluate the IHE's progress in combating anti-Semitism on campus; andprovide annual reports to Congress, ED, state and local governments (as needed), and the IHE that include recommendations for actions, policies, and sanctions to prevent and reduce anti-Semitism at the IHE.
Establishes "The CAMPUS Act: Combating Antisemitism to Mitigate Prejudice in Universities and Schools"; addresses instruction on antisemitism and antisemitic harassment, intimidation, and bullying in public schools.