I am reintroducing legislation requiring Pennsylvania’s state-funded higher education institutions to implement specific measures combating antisemitism on campus.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, occurring on a sacred Jewish holiday, marked the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. This tragic event has reignited historical traumas and highlighted the persistent challenge of antisemitism in our society.
Since then, the ugliness and pervasiveness of antisemitism in our society has become only more evident.  Congressional testimony from prestigious institutions of higher education demonstrated a troubling reluctance to recognize and address antisemitic behavior on college campuses, underscoring the need for legislative action.
Institutions of higher education should be a safe, inclusive place for students who have chosen to continue their education.  Yet, many institutions lack clear policies for addressing antisemitism as a form of harassment or bullying.
According to the Center for Antisemitism Research (November 2023), 70% of students—both Jewish and non-Jewish—believe their universities should take stronger action against campus antisemitism.
This legislation would require public institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania that receive a direct appropriation from the Commonwealth to acknowledge antisemitism as harassment or bullying.
Please consider joining me in cosponsoring this important initiative to combat antisemitism.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0307: P.L.30, No.14