Staff Reports
The House just passed a bill to make the definition of antisemitism bigger, in response to problems on college campuses. This bill passed by a big vote, 320-91. Some people who didn’t like the bill said it would hurt free speech.
A few Republicans and Democrats voted against the bill. They worry it could make it harder for people to talk about things like what’s going on in Israel. The bill wants the Department of Education to have a wider idea of what antisemitism means when they check if civil rights are being followed.
Many colleges in America have seen a lot of problems lately, with people arguing about what’s happening in Israel. Some Republicans think these arguments have made it not safe for Jewish people on campus. They want schools to lose money if they don’t fix this.
The House passed legislation 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 protest movement over the Israel-Hamas war. https://t.co/eHtj5m5sb4
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) May 1, 2024
There are some Republicans who think the bill goes too far. They say it might make parts of the Bible into hate speech. The bill uses a definition of antisemitism from a group that says blaming Jews for killing Jesus is a form of antisemitism.
It seems like President Biden doesn’t want things to get out of hand. He said it’s important to have different opinions, but they shouldn’t cause trouble. It’s good that the government is trying to make sure everyone feels safe, especially Jewish people who might face hate because of what’s happening far away.
