The No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026 would require local educational agencies and institutions of higher education that receive federal financial assistance to address discrimination motivated by antisemitism as vigorously as they address other discrimination barred by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also directs agencies and schools to use the bill’s antisemitism definition, which incorporates Executive Order 13899 and its contemporary examples, when reviewing possible violations of federal law. The bill would be enforceable through the same mechanisms used for Title VI enforcement. It explicitly says it does not diminish First Amendment rights or preempt state antidiscrimination laws.
What This Bill Does
- Requires federally funded K-12 agencies and colleges to treat antisemitic discrimination as vigorously as other Title VI discrimination.
- Applies to discrimination by students, employees, and institutional policies.
- Directs use of the Executive Order 13899 definition of antisemitism, including its contemporary examples.
- Makes the requirement enforceable through Title VI enforcement mechanisms.
- Says the bill does not diminish First Amendment rights or preempt state antidiscrimination laws.
Who This Bill Affects
For a typical person, this bill would matter mainly if they are a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or employee at a federally funded public school or college. It would push those institutions to handle antisemitic discrimination more aggressively under Title VI-style enforcement and to use the bill’s definition of antisemitism when evaluating complaints or investigations. That could mean more formal investigations, discipline, or corrective measures in cases involving antisemitic conduct, while the First Amendment and state-law protections remain in place.
See how this bill affects you — sign in for a personalized analysisWho Supports & Opposes This
- Jewish students and families Supporters are likely to say the bill creates clearer and stronger federal accountability for schools that fail to respond to antisemitic harassment. They would view the Title VI-style enforcement standard as a way to reduce double standards and make schools treat Jewish students’ complaints more seriously.
- Civil-rights advocates focused on campus safety Some advocates may support the bill because it gives schools and federal agencies a more explicit framework for identifying and responding to antisemitic discrimination. They may argue that consistent standards can improve investigations, discipline, and reporting across districts and campuses.
- Administrators seeking clearer federal guidance School and college officials who want clearer federal expectations may support a defined enforcement rule. A common argument would be that a specific antisemitism definition helps institutions know what conduct to evaluate and how to document responses under federal civil-rights law.
- Free-speech and campus-activism advocates Opponents may argue that tying enforcement to the Executive Order 13899 definition could chill protected political speech or activism, especially around Israel-related campus debates. They may worry schools will overcorrect to avoid liability and punish speech that is controversial but lawful.
- Some higher-education faculty and student groups Critics may contend the bill invites uneven or politically charged enforcement because schools must assess whether conduct was motivated by antisemitic intent. They may worry that the standard will be applied inconsistently across incidents involving protests, classroom discussion, or student organizing.
- Education compliance officials Some administrators may oppose the bill because it adds another federal compliance layer to existing Title VI duties. They may argue that schools already have anti-discrimination obligations and that a new, specific mandate could increase investigations, training burdens, and litigation risk.
Key Implications
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““treat discrimination that is motivated by antisemitism… as vigorously””
Schools and colleges receiving federal aid would have to respond to antisemitic discrimination with the same seriousness they apply to other Title VI discrimination, which could affect complaint handling, investigations, and discipline.
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““including discrimination by students or employees””
The requirement is not limited to one type of actor. It covers peer harassment, staff conduct, and potentially policies or practices that create discriminatory effects.
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““consider the definition of antisemitism specified in subsection (c)””
Federal agencies and schools would use the bill’s incorporated definition, which points to Executive Order 13899 and its examples, when deciding whether conduct was antisemitic.
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““enforceable by any mechanism available to enforce section 601””
The bill ties its rule to the same Title VI enforcement tools already used in civil-rights cases, which can include federal administrative action against institutions that fail to comply.
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““Nothing in this section shall be construed as… diminishing… any right protected under the First Amendment””
The bill tries to make clear that protected speech remains protected, even as schools are told to act more aggressively against antisemitic discrimination.
Official Source & Bill Facts
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- Bill
- HR 8476
- Congress
- 119th Congress
- Official title
- No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026
- Policy area
- Education
- Latest action
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 12. (June 25, 2026)
- Last updated
- June 26, 2026
Latest Status
June 25, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 12.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.