Reps. Yakym, Scholten reintroduce legislation to combat antisemitism on college campuses

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Wednesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) reintroduced the PROTECT Jewish Students and Faculty Act, legislation they also introduced in the 118th Congress. This bill requires U.S. colleges and universities to adopt a standard definition of antisemitism as a condition of receiving Title IV federal funds for financial aid. 55 percent of undergraduate students received some form of federal financial aid in 2020.

"Since Hamas' horrifying terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, we continue to witness a disturbing uptick in antisemitic incidents on campuses across the country. Sadly, a majority of our country's institutions lack a clear plan to root out antisemitism. At a time when many colleges and universities have gone completely woke to appease the left, they have also chosen to abandon Jewish students and faculty."

"Freedom of religion without fear of discrimination is a fundamental bedrock of our nation. If these institutes of higher education want to continue receiving federal funds, they must be willing to combat antisemitism. I am pleased to reintroduce this legislation to help ensure that Jewish students and faculty are protected on campus."

-Congressman Rudy Yakym

"I'm proud to co-lead the PROTECT Jewish Students and Faculty Act. Antisemitism is on the rise, and we've seen so many instances across the country where students and faculty face hostility simply because of their identity. Everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome in their learning environment, and this legislation ensures that protections against antisemitic discrimination are clear and enforceable at our colleges and universities."

-Congresswoman Hillary Scholten

A one-pager of the legislation can be viewed here, and the full bill can be accessed here.