This bill, titled the "Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025," aims to strengthen protections against discrimination, particularly antisemitism, in programs receiving federal financial assistance. It amends Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include religion as a protected ground for discrimination, though this prohibition does not apply to programs run by religious organizations. Furthermore, for educational programs, the bill clarifies that "discrimination" includes deliberate indifference to harassment that is severe, pervasive, and denies equal access to educational opportunities.

The legislation establishes a policy for the United States to enforce Title VI against antisemitism as vigorously as other forms of discrimination, providing a specific definition of antisemitism. It also significantly amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 by introducing new sanctions for institutions of higher education found in violation of Title VI due to antisemitic discrimination. These sanctions include escalating fines: a minimum of 10 percent of federal financial assistance for a second violation within five years, and at least 33 percent for a third violation within the same period.

Beyond financial penalties, the bill mandates that the Secretary monitor private lawsuits concerning antisemitic discrimination at institutions and requires institutions found in violation to notify their students, faculty, and staff. It also adds factors for federal agencies and courts to consider when determining compliance with Title VI, such as an entity's prevention and remediation efforts for other forms of discrimination. Importantly, the bill includes rules of construction to ensure it does not infringe upon First Amendment rights or diminish existing legal protections against antisemitism.