Jewish Caucus Celebrates Passage of CAMPUS Act

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Jewish Caucus today celebrates Wednesday’s passage from the Ohio House of Representatives of The Campus Accountability and Modernization to Protect University Students (CAMPUS) Act. The legislation marked a bipartisan effort to empower Ohio universities with essential tools to promote student safety and foster inclusive environments.

The members of the Jewish Caucus, Reps. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson), Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D–Gahanna) helped develop and guide this bill to passage, and worked closely with the joint sponsors State Reps. Dontavius Jarrells (R-Columbus) and Justin Pizzulli (R-Scioto County). This bill provides funding for emergency security efforts as well as grants to promote interfaith and community-building initiatives on campus. 

“Every student deserves to live, study, and grow in an environment where they feel safe and respected. This year has brought tremendous turmoil on our campuses, and we spent months listening to diverse student voices share their fears, frustrations, and wishes,” said the members of the Jewish Caucus. “We are hopeful that the CAMPUS Act will produce a healthier and safer environment when students return to school this fall.”

Key highlights of the CAMPUS Act include:

• Establishes a uniform reporting system for hate incidents at higher education institutions, requiring annual reporting reviewed by key stakeholders.
• Establishes three one-time grant programs:
  
  • $1M for the Campus Student Safety Grant Program in FY 2025 to enhance security measures.
  • $1M for the Campus Community Grant Program to support intergroup and interfaith outreach.
  • Allocates $2M in FY 2025 for the Campus Security Support Program to assist student organizations at risk for threats.
• Implements anti-harassment policies at universities, including staff training, to combat racial, religious, and ethnic intimidation.
• Sets clear procedures for investigating student complaints of racial, religious, or ethnic harassment, including anonymous reporting.
• Directs the Chancellor of Higher Education to establish a task force addressing antisemitism and other forms of bias on campuses.

The CAMPUS Act, originally known as House Bill 606, was included as an amendment in Senate Bill 94 and now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.