Sherman Insists on Enforcement of Antisemitism Standards on Campuses

Statement

Due to the work of Congressman Sherman and others, the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance to American universities indicating that they had an obligation to protect students from anti-Semitism. More specifically, the guidance indicated that anti-Semitism was prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which applies to discrimination by colleges and universities that receive federal funds.

Unfortunately, efforts against anti-Semitism have stalled. University administrators find it difficult to define anti-Semitism. Accordingly those making the most vicious and hateful anti-Semitic remarks seek to excuse and disguise their comments as mere criticisms of the Israeli government.

Today, Congressman Sherman wrote to dozens of major universities urging them to adopt the definition of anti-Semitism promulgated by the U.S. Department of State. The State Department's definition of anti-Semitism includes, "applying double standards by requiring of it [Israel] a behavior not expected or demanded by any other democratic nation." It also brands as anti-Semitic; "delegitimizing Israel--denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination and denying the right of Israel to exist."

Congressman Sherman is also urging the U.S. Department of Education to adopt this definition of anti-Semitism for all of its enforcement actions nationwide.

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