UPDATE: The House passed legislation Wednesday that would establish a broader definition of antisemitism for the Department of Education to enforce anti-discrimination laws, the latest response from lawmakers to a nationwide student protest movement over the Israel-Hamas war. MORE
\WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote Wednesday on a bipartisan bill that could make some speech on college campuses punishable by law.
It comes in the wake of nationwide protests against the ongoing war in Gaza across college campuses. The number of arrests at campuses nationwide is approaching 1,000.
What’s the Antisemitism Awareness Act?
The “Antisemitism Awareness Act” was initially written in a bipartisan manner back in October following Hamas’ deadly incursion into Israel that killed some 1,200 Israelis.
The bill, if it were to become law, could dramatically redefine what can be incorporated under the blanket of antisemitic acts of harassment.
The definition of antisemitism would change to include denying Jewish “self-determination to their ancestral homeland of Israel.” It would also include holding Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
That would mean language used in certain protest chants on college campuses could be punishable under federal anti-discrimination law.
Will the bill create a divide among Democrats?
Though the bill is expected to pass, Wednesday’s vote may divide moderate and progressive Democrats.
Some Democrats expressed concern that the bill could become divisive, especially as protests become more violent across college campuses.
Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed the necessity of the bill.
“I trust that members are going to do what they feel is in their best interest guided by their constitutions and their values. I’d anticipate it’s a bipartisan bill, that there will be Democrats supportive of the bill,” said California Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar.
“Congress must clearly define antisemitism so universities are empowered to take appropriate and decisive steps to keep Jewish students safe and respond the exercises of speech that are so hostile and discriminatory that it’s not covered by protections enshrined in the First Amendment,” said Texas Republican Rep. Michael Burgess.
Jeffries proposes the Countering Antisemistim Act
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries asked Johnson to consider the Countering Antisemitism Act, which has deeper support among Democrats.
The legislation would establish a national coordinator at the White House to counter antisemitism and coordinate federal responses.
“The Countering Antisemitism Act would strengthen efforts to combat antisemitism in the U.S. and implement policies designed to keep Jewish communities safe. It supports implementation of the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and helps make its policies permanent,” Jeffries wrote.
NewsNation’s Joe Khalil and Sean Noon contributed to this report.