Washington, D.C. — Today, The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (Orthodox Union), the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, welcomed the Biden Administration’s announcement of the expanded application of policy interpreting Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to include protections against antisemitism.

Last week, the White House announced eight federal agencies have clarified that Title VI’s prohibition of discrimination in federally funded programs includes protections against antisemitism and that these agencies will take actions to enforce these rights.

The announcement relates to the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Treasury, and Transportation. The Departments of State and Education already have a policy in this regard.

The Biden Administration has been a strong partner with the Jewish community in fighting antisemitism, most notably through its release of the first-ever National Strategy To Counter Antisemitism. 

Orthodox Union Executive Director of Public Policy, Nathan Diament, said: 

“We applaud this latest action by President Biden and his Administration to combat antisemitism. Expanding the application of the interpretation of Title VI, which includes antisemitism, is a very important step in countering hate towards Jews in America. The Biden Administration has been a leader in the fight against hate, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in new constructive ways.”

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