The Biden-Harris Administration has announced additional steps to counter the rise of antisemitism in the U.S., atop over 100 actions the administration has already taken.
Since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, the administration has helped to provide greater security to Jewish institutions and to support education around Jewish history.
Vice President Kamala Harris
The administration has called on several federal agencies to provide support for institutions to counter and combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination that threaten the safety of students and community members.
• The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has issued new guidance through a Dear Colleague Letter to every school district and college in the country, providing examples of antisemitic discrimination and other forms of hate that could lead to investigations for violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).
The office also updated its complaint form specifying that Title VI’s protection from discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, or national origin includes discrimination against students based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, including those who are, or are perceived to be, Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Hindu, or Sikh. It maintains a website with more resources on shared ancestry discrimination.
• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to work with interagency partners to build an online campus safety resources guide and landing page to provide the range of financial, educational, and technical assistance to campuses in an easy-to-use website. The department also plans to develop and share best practices for community-based targeted violence and terrorism prevention to reduce assaults and attacks. Its SchoolSafety.gov website offers school safety information and resources.
