Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6090

Introduced
10/26/23  
Refer
10/26/23  

Caption

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023

Impact

The bill notably clarifies and reinforces that antisemitism, which often intersects with issues of race and national origin, is subject to scrutiny under existing civil rights laws. By incorporating specific definitions of antisemitism into federal considerations, the act aims to enhance protections for Jewish students and ensure that discriminatory acts fueled by antisemitism are addressed with the same seriousness as other forms of discrimination. This change could lead to more robust investigations and enforcement actions by educational institutions and the Department of Education regarding antisemitic incidents.

Summary

HB6090, known as the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023, establishes a legal framework for incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into the enforcement of federal anti-discrimination laws in educational programs and activities. This act recognizes that discrimination against individuals based on actual or perceived Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics can violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The introduction of this bill comes in response to a noted increase in antisemitism and its impact on Jewish students across educational institutions in the United States.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB6090 appears to be largely supportive among legislators, as reflected in its passage through the House with a vote of 319 to 91. Proponents argue that the act is a crucial step in acknowledging and combating rising antisemitic sentiments and ensuring equality for Jewish students. Conversely, there are concerns among some stakeholders regarding potential implications for freedom of expression and the importance of distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitic remarks, which may require careful interpretation of the definitions laid out by the IHRA.

Contention

Despite the broad support for the bill, there are notable points of contention regarding the scope and application of the IHRA definition. Critics worry that the definition may inadvertently stifle free speech on college campuses, particularly concerning debates about Israel and its policies. This tension highlights a broader discourse on balancing anti-discrimination measures with First Amendment rights, indicating that while the bill aims to protect Jewish students, it must also navigate the complexities of free expression in educational environments.

Companion Bills

US SB3141

Same As Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023

US SB4127

Related Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2024

US HR1173

Related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 615) to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain Federal land or water under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2925) to amend the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 to provide for security of tenure for use of mining claims for ancillary activities, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3195) to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 764) to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3397) to require the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw a rule of the Bureau of Land Management relating to conservation and landscape health; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6285) to ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6090) to provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.