Scott, Casey Introduce Anti-Semitism Awareness Act

Statement

In light of the growing trend of Anti-Semitic actions coming from across the nation and world, Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced S. 852, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act.

"In 2016, I first introduced the bipartisan Anti-Semitism Awareness Act and look forward to joining my colleagues in reintroducing it this Congress. It is crucial to have clear and concise language defining anti-Semitism in the event that violence and hatred occurs," said Senator Scott. "The unfortunate rise in these incidents across the country must be met with swift and unwavering condemnation. We must stand together against racism and bigotry by ensuring that justice is served against those who seek to divide us."

"The rise in incidents of religious discrimination and religiously-motivated hate crimes around the world is completely unacceptable. We have to not only condemn it, but work to stop it," Senator Casey said. "This legislation is aimed at a particularly troubling manifestation of the growing problem of discrimination against those of Jewish faith or Jewish ancestry. I'm proud to work with Senator Scott on this bill, which aims to combat anti-Semitism and help investigate illegal discrimination on college campuses."

According to the Anti-Defamation League, in 2017 there were 204 reported incidents of anti-Semitic related events on campus -- nearly doubled that of 108 in 2016. The surge in these acts can be attributed to the nationwide rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric and related occurrences.

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