New PROTECT Act Mandates Antisemitism Definition in College Handbooks, Prohibits Conduct with Expulsion and Termination as Penalties

The "Promote Restoring Order To End Campus Targeting of Jewish Students and Faculty Act," or the "PROTECT Jewish Student and Faculty Act," is changing the rules for colleges and universities nationwide. This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, and the changes are all about how institutions handle antisemitism.

Defining the Terms

The bill requires every college and university to clearly define "antisemitism" in their student and employee handbooks. The provided definition describes it as a perception of Jews that can manifest as hatred, potentially targeting individuals (both Jewish and non-Jewish), property, and Jewish institutions. Think of it this way: it's not just about direct attacks; it's also about the underlying perception and rhetoric that can lead to those attacks.

Conduct and Consequences

Beyond just defining it, the bill mandates that schools explicitly prohibit "antisemitic conduct" on campus. The consequences are serious: expulsion for students and termination for employees. This means that any action deemed antisemitic, based on the school's updated definition, could lead to getting kicked out or fired. For example, if a student repeatedly makes hateful comments directed at Jewish classmates, and these comments align with the institution's definition of antisemitism, that student could face expulsion. Similarly, a professor repeatedly engaging in antisemitic rhetoric during lectures could face termination. The exact application will likely vary based on each school's existing disciplinary procedures, but the potential penalties are now clearly laid out.

Potential Challenges

While the bill aims to protect Jewish students and faculty, it will be important to see how schools implement the new definition of antisemitism. The definition itself mentions that manifestations of antisemitism may target people and property. The key word is 'may,' which means that the interpretation of what exactly counts as antisemitic conduct will be critical. The bill could provide valuable protection against discrimination. However, the line between protected free speech and prohibited conduct may require careful consideration, especially when dealing with complex issues.