Representatives Kiley, Auchincloss and Wasserman Schultz Statements on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ Vote to Advance Report Investigating the Rise of Antisemitism on College Campuses

WASHINGTON – Today Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) released statements following the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ (USCCR) unanimous vote to advance an investigation into the surge in antisemitism on college and university campuses. This report will include findings into how the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Education and the Department of Justice responded to this increase.

“Following several deeply disturbing antisemitic incidents at colleges and universities since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Congress sent a clear message: nothing could be further from the values of our country or the purposes of higher education. Disappointingly, several university officials and administrators failed to condemn antisemitism in the strongest terms, disavow any on-campus activities supporting Hamas terrorists, or assure students of all backgrounds can feel safe. I want to thank my colleagues who urged the USCCR to take this step and I want to thank the Commission for undertaking this investigation,” said Rep. Kiley.

“Since October 7th, 2023, Jewish and Israeli students have been harassed and intimidated. Too often, university administrators rolled their eyes or shrugged their shoulders,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights’ unanimous vote to undertake this investigation is a necessary step to ensure that universities uphold their Title VI obligations to provide a suitable learning environment, free from antisemitism and dedicated to critical thinking.”

“Antisemitism has surged at American colleges and universities, leaving many Jewish students, faculty, and staff feeling isolated and fearful. I hope that this report from the Commission on Civil Rights will shed light on the extent to which students’ Title VI rights are being protected and provide clear guidance and recommendations for bipartisan Members of Congress to take action,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

In September, Representatives Kiley and Auchincloss led a bipartisan letter to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) to convene a briefing on the alarming rise of antisemitism on college and university campuses, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023. In collaboration with Rep. Wasserman Schultz, the lawmakers requested the USCCR issue recommendations to Congress and the Administration in this report to help curb these trends. 

In the letter, Reps. Auchincloss and Kiley wrote:

“The start of the academic year should be a time of excitement and learning, yet Jewish students are increasingly reporting that they feel unsafe due to the surge in antisemitic rhetoric and actions on their campuses. 

… In 2023, ADL tracked an unprecedented 922 antisemitic incidents on college and university campuses – 732 of which occurred between October 7 and the end of the calendar year. This increase over the last twenty years reflects a staggering 1,217% increase in documented antisemitic incidents on college and university campuses alone. 

“We respectfully request that the USCCR investigate the current state of antisemitism on campus and issue a report with recommended steps Congress and federal agencies can take to protect Jewish students and foster a safe learning environment moving forward.”

Read the full letter here.

Background:

In 2004, the USCCR published a report on campus antisemitism, documenting 70 reported incidents of antisemitism on college campuses. In 2023 alone, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) tracked an unprecedented 922 antisemitic incidents on college and university campuses—732 of which occurred between October 7 and the end of the calendar year. This reflects a staggering 1217% increase over the past 20 years.

###