With growing reports of horrific anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism occurring on college campuses and in schools across the U.S. since October 7, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released the following statement:
Given the horrific war taking place in the Middle East, we are seeing a significant increase in bigotry and in hate crimes here in the United States. This is unacceptable, not what this country is about, and all of us have a responsibility to end this growing crisis.
This afternoon I had a briefing with the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education who expressed her deep concerns about the growing number of instances of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia that we are seeing on college campuses and in schools all over America. That is why I strongly urge college and university presidents and school leaders to be firm about protecting the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, and staff, and to make it clear that bigotry on campuses and in schools will not be tolerated.
That is why I have requested a classified briefing with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Education, and other government officials to learn more about the serious rise in hate crimes not only on college campuses and in schools but throughout the general public. I also look forward to their ideas as to the constructive role that Congress can play on this important issue.
Lastly, I have written a letter to Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Chair Murray and Vice Chair Collins urging their support for the President’s request for a 27% increase in funding for the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education in the next emergency supplemental funding package.
Read the full letter to leadership here.
