On September 13, the Brandeis Center held its first briefing on the rise of anti-Semitism in America. U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz served as the event’s honorary host and gave remarks. Brandeis Center Founder and Chairman Kenneth L. Marcus presented along with Director of Corporate Initiatives Rory Lancman. The LDB attorneys discussed the challenges of anti-Semitism on college campuses and in the workplace and the legal avenues used to combat civil rights violations. The LDB policy briefing also provided Congressional staffers in attendance with educational resources for their offices. After a brief introduction, Chairman Marcus gave background on the history of anti-Semitism on college campuses and highlighted the Anti-Defamation League’s recently-released data regarding this issue. The data indicates that while BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction) activity has declined, anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activity is surging. In the last few years there has been a shift to more targeted attacks in efforts to exclude Jewish students from various spaces and organizations on campus. Marcus went on to highlight the four pillars of the Brandeis Center’s efforts: research, education, advocacy, and leadership, and explain how each of these areas work towards combating anti-Semitism before introducing Congresswoman Schultz. Rep. Wasserman Schultz discussed the role social media plays in accelerating and promoting anti-Jewish hate, saying: “These extremists, terrorist sympathizers, and neo-Nazis who were once confined to the deepest, darkest regions of the dark web are now trending on your front pages, whose reach doesn’t abide by borders.” Rep. Wasserman Schultz expressed her appreciation for the Brandeis Center and its efforts to use U.S. civil rights law to protect students and employees. Both Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Chairman Marcus expressed that now more than ever there is a greater need for everyone to work together. Before introducing Rory Lancman, Chairman Marcus gave a brief explanation of Executive Order 13899 on Combating Antisemitism, which states that protections under Title VI apply to Jewish American the same as other groups and that when there is a question of anti-Semitic conduct, agency officials should use the same IHRA working definition of anti-Semitism that is used by the U.S. State Department and internationally. Director Lancman discussed the resources available to employees facing religion-based discrimination in the workplace. Research shows that over half of Jewish employees in the United States have experienced anti-Semitic discrimination at work. Lancman detailed some ways anti-Semitism is emerging in the workplace and how the Brandeis Center is addressing each of them. The first is a lack of religious accommodations. Lancman noted the U.S. Supreme Court recently published a unanimous decision stating that the burden has shifted to employers to accommodate the religious needs of their employees. Secondly, the Brandeis Center has continued efforts to include education about anti-Semitism within employers’ Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and trainings. Lastly, the Brandeis Center is working to ensure Jewish employees who support Israel can express their opinion without fear of backlash, harassment, or intimidation. “Capitol Hill staffers on both sides of the aisle have shown a real willingness to learn about anti-Semitism – the historical, pervasive nature of it and modern-day manifestations,” stated Brandeis Center Director of Policy Education Emma Enig, who produced the briefing. “They understand that Jew-hatred is growing at an alarming rate in our country and are eager to help their Jewish constituents.” The Brandeis Center is proud to serve as a resource and looks forward to continued work with Congress. To watch the briefing, click the video below. Play videoTextBlockModalTitle × Your browser does not support the video tag.