The US House of Representatives approved this Wednesday (1) a bill that more broadly expands the definition of what can be considered anti-Semitism, as discrimination against Jews is called. The text was put to a vote after pro-Palestinian protests broke out at universities across the country because of the war between Israel and Hamas.
Supporters of the legislation say the law will help combat anti-Semitism on college campuses. Opponents say the law threatens freedom of expression.
The project had 320 votes in favor and 91 against. Among them, 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans voted against the law.
The law directs the Department of Education to use federal anti-discrimination laws as the basis for possible punishment. The Department currently uses the definition of anti-Semitism presented by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.
Critics of the bill argue that the definition is overly expansive and could lead to censorship issues.
Protests at universities
More than 1,000 people have been arrested in protests at universities across the US since April 18. Protesters have been detained on more than 25 campuses in at least 21 states.
At the prestigious Columbia University in New York, students camped and then stormed Hamilton Hall. They barricaded and locked the doors at the entrance. The students only left after police action, who arrested dozens of people.
The action came after the New York Police Department received a letter from Columbia University authorizing them to enter the campus, he told CNN a police source familiar with the situation.
In general, students are asking universities to cut ties with companies linked to Israel. The specifics of student protesters' divestment demands vary from school to school.
The coalition at Columbia wants the university to withdraw $13.6 billion in investment from any company linked to Israel or companies that are profiting from the Israel-Hamas war. Protest leaders mentioned the sale of shares in large companies in speeches.
With the intensification of violence and also the risk of expulsion, some students are also asking for assistance after the protests end.
Source: CNN Brasil
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