Combat Anti-Semitism (E.O. 14188)

Summary

Directs government agencies to use their power to fight anti-Jewish hate and violence, especially in schools and on college campuses.

What problem does this solve?

After the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, there was a large increase in anti-Jewish hate and violence, especially against students. This order tells government agencies to use all their legal powers to stop this hate and hold people responsible for their actions.

What does this order do?

Requires agency reports on combating anti-semitism

Orders every executive agency to report within 60 days on all legal powers they can use to fight anti-Semitism and to list all pending complaints of anti-Semitism at colleges.

Focuses on monitoring foreign students

Asks for recommendations on how colleges can watch for and report activities by foreign students and staff that could lead to their removal from the country.

Reaffirms a previous executive order

Restores Executive Order 13899, stating that a previous administration failed to enforce it, to ensure civil rights laws protect Jewish Americans.

Directs the Attorney General to take action

Encourages the Attorney General to use civil rights laws to fight anti-Semitism and to report on all court cases involving anti-Semitism at colleges.

Requires review of education-related complaints

Directs the Secretary of Education to provide a list and analysis of all Title VI complaints about anti-Semitism in K-12 schools and colleges since October 7, 2023.

Who does this affect?

Jewish students
University and college administrators
Foreign students

What is the real world impact?

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Reaffirms commitment to fighting anti-semitism

Restores and strengthens a previous executive order to ensure federal laws protect Jewish citizens from harassment and discrimination, particularly in educational settings.

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Addresses rising campus hate

Responds to a reported increase in anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks by requiring government agencies to take stronger action.

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Could impact campus speech and foreign students

Directs agencies to monitor and report on foreign students, which critics might argue could chill free speech or unfairly target individuals involved in campus protests.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately, with specific reports from government agencies due within 60 days.

Agency reports on combating anti-semitism

Within 60 days of January 29, 2025, the head of each executive agency must submit a report to the President on their plans and actions to combat anti-Semitism.