During a recent CNN interview, Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, strongly rejected accusations of war crimes against Israel in response to Hamas’ October 7 terror attack. In a significant bipartisan effort, Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, and Senator Fetterman unveiled the “Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2024” on Thursday. The bill aims to empower students to address and report instances of discrimination, including antisemitism, on college campuses.
The proposed legislation seeks to hold colleges and universities accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of their students. Senator Cassidy emphasized that no student should endure harassment or attacks based on their identity and that this bill ensures that discrimination against students will not be overlooked. Senator Fetterman, who has been a vocal supporter of Israel during its conflict with Hamas, echoed this sentiment, stating that diversity is a strength of the country.
Under the bill, colleges and universities would be required to provide information and links on their websites and in public spaces, such as student centers, outlining the process for filing a Title VI discrimination complaint with the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights. The bill also mandates monthly briefings to Congress by the OCR’s assistant secretary, detailing the number of complaints received, their resolution status, and the length of time they have been pending.
Furthermore, institutions receiving federal funds would be obligated to submit an annual report to the Education Department’s inspector general, disclosing the number of discrimination complaints received, an analysis of these complaints, and the actions taken to address them. The bill also calls for an annual audit of the top 5 percent of institutions based on the per capita number of complaints by the Department of Education’s Inspector General.
Senator Cassidy revealed that a bipartisan roundtable discussion with college students and faculty members in November highlighted a lack of clarity among students regarding their ability to file complaints with the OCR. He stressed the need for transparency and accountability, stating that universities must fulfill their responsibility to provide equal access to education. The bill aims to ensure that students are aware of their rights and that the public is informed about universities’ performance in addressing discrimination.
In conclusion, Senators Cassidy and Fetterman’s bipartisan bill addresses the rising concerns of discrimination, particularly antisemitism and Islamophobia, on college campuses. By empowering students and holding institutions accountable, the proposed legislation aims to create an inclusive and safe environment for all students. Transparency and awareness of students’ rights are key factors in achieving this goal.
