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Womack Votes to Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses

Washington, May 1, 2024

Washington, DC—May 1, 2024…Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after voting for H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act:

Congressman Womack said, “It infuriates me to see people cloaking themselves in our constitution while demeaning it with their actions. Pro-terror, antisemitic mobs have no place in this country. Yet we have seen the leadership at American universities cede to these radical mobs rather than honor their responsibility to ensure the safety and educational opportunities for students. The passage of this bill today is a step forward in combatting antisemitism on our college campuses and holding those who participate in political violence accountable.”

Bill breakdown:

H.R. 6090 seeks to combat the pro-terrorist, antisemitic protests taking over American college campuses by requiring the Department of Education to utilize the 2016 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples when reviewing, investigating, or determining whether discrimination has occurred. It further expresses the sense of Congress that discrimination against Jews may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it is based on race, color, or national origin, which can include discrimination based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

  • The IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples are widely accepted and a vital tool for identifying and addressing discriminatory conduct that is motivated by antisemitism. It has been adopted by at least 31 states.
  • H.R. 6090 explicitly states that nothing in the Act “shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment.” The bill does not make speech or conduct that meets the IHRA definition a per se violation of federal anti-discrimination law, but rather requires the Department of Education to consider it as a guide.
  • The bill also includes a rule of construction stating that nothing in the Act shall be construed to expand the authority of the Secretary of Education.