WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to combat rising levels of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, eight federal agencies announced plans to invoke Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The agencies clarified that Title VI, which prevents discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs, now also prohibits certain forms of antisemitic, Islamophobic, and related discriminations. This marks the first time that Title VI has been officially expanded in this manner.
The move was part of President Biden’s national strategy to counter antisemitism, which he has stated is at “record levels” and poses a significant challenge for the country.
The agencies involved in this decision are the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Treasury, and Transportation.