WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Friday condemned pro-Palestinian protests over the Israel-Hamas war and incidents of antisemitism on college campuses across the country as “abhorrent.”
NewsNation obtained the letter Cardona sent to college and university presidents stating that he’s “incredibly concerned by reports of antiemetic hate directed at students,” highlighting available resources.
“I am particularly disturbed by the sharp rise in antisemitism targeting Jewish students on some college campuses,” he wrote.
Cardona cited reports from Jewish students of being physically assaulted or harassed while walking on campus, antisemitic statements, verbal abuse, and swastikas found on dorm room doors.
He said that these reports are taken “very seriously” and will be investigated “aggressively.” He added that the department is “eager to provide further resources, training, technical assistance” to help higher education leaders.
Cardona’s letter comes one day after President Joe Biden addressed the nation denouncing antisemitism and racism, and urging those involved with protests to remain peaceful, adding that he doesn’t think a National Guard presence is necessary.
House passes bill to expand definition of antisemitism
Meanwhile, the House passed legislation Wednesday that would establish a broader definition of antisemitism for the U.S. Department of Education to enforce anti-discrimination laws.
The legislation, titled the Antisemitism Awareness Act, passed 320-91 with bipartisan support, would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal anti-discrimination law that bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin.
The legislation now goes to the Senate where its fate is uncertain.
Demonstrations across the nation
Universities across the U.S. have been grappling with how to deal with encampments as commencement ceremonies approach, with some continuing negotiations and others turning to force and ultimatums that have resulted in clashes with police.
The number of arrests at campuses nationwide has exceeded 2,000 as the final days of class wrap up.
The outcry has forced colleges to reckon with their financial ties to Israel as well as their support for free speech. Some Jewish students have said the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.
Some student demonstrators held signs saying “Jews for Free Palestine” or “Jews for Palestine,” while pictures on social media circulated of Passover seders being held at the encampments.
Protesters have said, though, that those being antisemitic do not represent them and pointed out that many Jewish students are joining them in their cause.
NewsNation’s digital producer Devan Markham contributed to to this report.