House GOP calls on Cardona to enforce 2019 order against antisemitism
Republican Lawmakers Call on Education Secretary to Combat Antisemitism
The Republican members of the House Education and Workforce Committee are urging Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to take action against antisemitism by crafting regulations in compliance with a Trump-era executive order.
“A full four years after the signing of the EO, the Department has not issued even a proposed rule, pushing this down the line as well,” the letter said. “To be clear: not only has the Department failed to meet its obligation to create rules necessary for the execution of the EO, but it is also delaying any such action by another year. This is particularly egregious in the face of increased anti-Jewish hatred sweeping across American schools and college campuses which deserves action from the Department now, not later.”
The executive order in question, signed by then-President Donald Trump in December 2019, directs federal agencies to enforce nondiscrimination law under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to include discrimination against Jews.
Antisemitism on College Campuses
The issue of antisemitism on college campuses has gained significant attention following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel. Some pro-Palestinian student groups and faculty members have even suggested that Israel was responsible for the attacks. As a result, Jewish students have reported facing a hostile environment on campuses.
In their letter to Cardona, House Republicans criticized the secretary for his “inaction on necessary and defensible rulemaking,” which they believe has left educational institutions ill-prepared to address the rise of antisemitism.
“Letters sent to your Department from Jewish groups and concerned Americans across the country have gone unanswered, and the Committee receives calls and emails daily from parents and students reporting antisemitism at their schools,” the lawmakers wrote. “You claim to take the fears of Jewish students seriously, but your words are undercut by your failure to address those fears through the Department’s regulatory process.”
The letter concludes by urging Cardona to stop delaying the implementation of the executive order and propose a regulation that aligns with its directives.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Department of Education for comment.
What concerns have been raised by Republican lawmakers regarding the Department of Education’s inaction on antisemitism?
Rtment failed to comply with an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, but it has also failed to issue any proposed rules to address this critical issue.”
The letter, signed by 16 Republican lawmakers, expresses deep concern over the Department of Education’s inaction in combatting antisemitism on college campuses. The lawmakers argue that antisemitism has been on the rise, and it is crucial for the department to take proactive steps to curb this alarming trend.
The executive order in question, which was signed by former President Donald Trump in December 2019, clarified that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also covers discrimination against Jewish people. This executive order aimed to ensure that Jewish students are protected from antisemitic acts and rhetoric on college campuses, as well as other federally funded programs and activities.
Despite the clarity provided by the executive order, the Department of Education has failed to implement any regulations to enforce its provisions. This lack of action by the department has raised concerns among Republican lawmakers, who fear that Jewish students continue to face discrimination, harassment, and marginalization in educational settings.
The letter emphasizes the urgency of addressing antisemitism and demands that Secretary Cardona take immediate action. It calls on him to develop and enforce regulations that protect Jewish students and ensure their freedom from discrimination based on their religious beliefs.
In addition to urging Secretary Cardona to implement the regulations, the lawmakers also emphasize the importance of bipartisan collaboration in combatting antisemitism. They urge the Secretary to engage with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish organizations, civil rights groups, and experts in combating antisemitism, in order to develop effective strategies to address this issue.
The letter acknowledges that combating antisemitism requires a multifaceted approach, involving education, awareness, and enforcement. The Department of Education, as a key player in shaping educational policies and practices, has a critical role to play in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their religious background.
Republican lawmakers emphasize that by implementing the regulations outlined in the executive order, the Department of Education can send a strong message that it stands firmly against antisemitism and will actively work to protect the rights and well-being of Jewish students.
This call by Republican lawmakers for the Department of Education to combat antisemitism highlights the importance of addressing this issue on college campuses. It serves as a reminder that educational institutions must be spaces of inclusivity, respect, and understanding, where all students can thrive without fear of discrimination or harassment.
As this issue gains bipartisan attention, it is hoped that Secretary Cardona and the Department of Education will respond to the concerns raised by these lawmakers and take the necessary steps to implement regulations that adequately combat antisemitism. Only through collective efforts can we create an educational environment that ensures the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of all students, irrespective of their religious identity.
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