Us Congress House Bill HB6419

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/15/23
• Refer: 11/15/23

Caption

Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activity on Campus Act

Impact

The bill empowers the Secretary of Education to enforce stricter regulations concerning the use of federal funds by educational institutions. Schools that receive federal aid must not only create policies that support anti-terrorism actions but must also ensure that these policies are transparent and communicated effectively within their communities. This new requirement is likely to shift how colleges and universities draft their safety protocols, placing greater emphasis on combating discrimination and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines related to terrorism and anti-Semitism. Compliance will also be key to maintaining funding, potentially impacting institutions financially if they fail to adhere.

Summary

House Bill 6419, known as the 'Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activity on Campus Act', seeks to enhance the safety and accountability of institutions of higher education by requiring them to report on anti-Semitism and ensuring that federal funds are not used to support foreign terrorist organizations. The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically enhancing the reporting requirements for schools to include detailed plans for addressing anti-Semitism and methods for reporting incidents. With a focus on combatting anti-Semitic actions, the bill aims to create a safer environment for students of Jewish ethnicity or heritage on campuses across the country.

Contention

Critics of HB6419 argue that the bill may infringe on free speech rights by potentially categorizing legitimate criticism of foreign governments as anti-Semitism. There are concerns that the broad definitions of terrorist activities could lead to unnecessary restrictions on academic discourse and student activism on campuses. Supporters, however, assert that addressing anti-Semitism and preventing the support of terrorist acts on campus is crucial for maintaining a secure educational environment. This opposition and support illustrate a tension between the desire for safety and the need to protect freedom of expression in academic institutions.