RELEASE: Gottheimer, Stefanik Discuss Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses at Vanderbilt University, Launch New Bipartisan Caucus on Campus Antisemitism

Resources / Press Share on RELEASE: Gottheimer, Stefanik Discuss Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses at Vanderbilt University, Launch New Bipartisan Caucus on Campus Antisemitism Highlights Leadership at Vanderbilt, Dartmouth, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Kentucky, University of Texas, University of Alabama; Record-High Campus Antisemitism Since October 7th Sep 09, 2026 Press Above: Gottheimer announces Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus at Vanderbilt University. NASHVILLE, TN — Today, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) announced the launch of the new bipartisan Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus while visiting Vanderbilt University. The caucus aims to hold colleges and universities accountable for protecting Jewish students, faculty, and staff. The Representatives announced the formation of the caucus during a conversation at Vanderbilt University featuring Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and five visiting university leaders from across the country, including leaders from The University of Kentucky, The University of Texas at Austin, Dartmouth College, The University of Alabama, and Washington University in St. Louis. The panel discussed how their campuses are working to combat antisemitism while protecting free expression. “Since October 7th, Jewish students on too many campuses have been harassed, intimidated, and made to feel like strangers in their own school,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) . “That’s why Elise and I are teaming up to launch this caucus to hold universities accountable, back up the schools getting it right, like Vanderbilt, and make sure every Jewish kid can have a college experience without fear of discrimination or violence.” “From asking questions at the most watched hearing in Congressional history with university presidents that led to an earthquake in higher education to passing key legislation, I have been proud to be the leader in Congress on combatting antisemitism and anti-Americanism at our colleges and universities,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY- 21). “I am proud to launch this bipartisan Congressional Caucus with my friend and colleague Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) who has been a leading partner and legislator with whom I have worked on this critical issue. We are committed to saving American higher education for the next generation.” Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, antisemitism on American college campuses has surged to levels never before recorded. According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitic incidents on campuses spiked more than 300 percent in 2023 alone, followed by a further sharp rise in 2024, with well over a thousand incidents logged in the year after October 7th. The vast majority of Jewish college students say they have personally witnessed or experienced antisemitism since that day. The Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus will: Serve as a bipartisan forum for Members of Congress to coordinate oversight of how colleges and universities respond to antisemitism. Press institutions to protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff, and to enforce their own anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. Advance and track federal legislation targeting campus antisemitism and BDS-driven discrimination, including the Antisemitism Awareness Act, the HEAL Act, and the newly House-passed Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act. Spotlight schools that are getting it right and share best practices across campuses nationwide. Gottheimer has been a leading voice in Congress against antisemitism, including: Authoring the Antisemitism Awareness Act , which directs the Department of Education to use the IHRA working definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination law. The bill passed the House 320–91 last Congress. Helping pass the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act , restricting federal student aid to colleges that engage in commercial BDS boycotts of Israel. The bill cleared the House 237–169 on September 3rd and now heads to the Senate. Authoring the HEAL Act (Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act) and the October 7th Remembrance Education Act to strengthen Holocaust and October 7th education in schools. Leading H.Res. 883, declaring the “from the river to the sea” chant antisemitic, and the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, both of which have passed the House. Pressing university presidents directly, sending letters to schools including Rutgers, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, MIT, Princeton, Brown, GW, and NYU demanding concrete plans to protect Jewish students. Serving as a member of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. Below: Gottheimer announces Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus at Vanderbilt University. ### Share on