Daily Skimm: Executive Order on Anti-Semitism, UK Elections, and Flip'd

TITLE VI

The Story

President Trump signed an executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses.

How?

Let's explain: this executive order has to do with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – which prohibits discrimination "on the ground of race, color, or national origin" in colleges and universities that receive federal funding. Now, Trump's executive order wants to incorporate anti-Semitism as a violation of Title VI. And would allow the Education Department to cut funding from schools it sees as discriminating in an anti-Semitic way.

Go on...

Since "religion" isn't included in the original text of Title VI, some saw this move as a reinterpretation of Judaism as a nationality. But White House senior adviser Jared Kushner says 'that's not what it meant' and that the order was put in place to combat what he called "growing" anti-Semitism on college campuses. The order comes as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has gained momentum on campuses – protesting the Israeli gov and its treatment of Palestinians.

What are people saying?

There have been mixed responses. Some Jewish groups have praised the order, saying it addresses an issue that has "long been festering on our nation's college campuses." Others say it threatens to do more harm than good, potentially stifling free speech regarding criticism of Israel.

And this is about college campuses?

Yes. But it comes as anti-Semitism in the US has been on the rise. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2019 is on track for a record high number of anti-Semitic incidents. This week, assailants at a kosher market in Jersey City killed four people. Investigators have yet to announce a motive. But the mayor has labeled it a hate crime and called it a clear "attack on the Jewish community."

theSkimm

There is a growing issue of anti-Semitism in the US that lawmakers have tried to address with similar legislation. Now, Trump's taking matters into his own hands. But some see this order as an effort to promote Israel instead of simply protect Jewish students. And note that it comes after Trump himself has been accused of anti-Semitic language.

AND ALSO...THIS

Where people are running to the polls faster than their kettle boils...

The UK. Today, voters are hitting the polls for the country's third general election in less than five years. Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for this election as a way to "get Brexit done." The UK's never-ending (read: three-year) breakup with the EU has left Parliament at a political standstill. Now, Johnson is hoping he can win a majority in Parliament to push Brexit through. He's tea-ing up against Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party. Corbyn has focused his campaign around revamping Britain's health care system and other public services instead of just Brexit.

• K but Brexit though: If Johnson wins a majority, he says he'll pass a Brexit deal by the end of January. Corbyn says he would renegotiate a Brexit deal and offer a second Brexit referendum.

...Oh and speaking of elections, Israel will be holding its next one in March 2020 – the third within a year.

Who needs a helping hand...

New Zealand. Earlier this week, a volcano erupted on an island off the country's coast. At least eight people have died and dozens more are in critical condition. Medical officials say some patients have burns to as much as 90% of their bodies. New Zealand is asking for the US to assist by donating skin tissue. Meanwhile, concerns that the volcano could erupt again are stalling search and recovery efforts for those still missing.

Where things could be going green…

Europe. Yesterday, the European Commission presented the European Green Deal. The deal would revisit major aspects of the European economy – like agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure – to tackle climate change. It also includes cutting carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 – which it hopes will entice other countries to do the same. And implementing a carbon border tax on imports to the EU, which could affect countries with lax climate policies like the US and China. If the deal gets approved by the EU Parliament and the EU Council, it would reportedly be the biggest overhaul of policy since the creation of the modern EU.

...Oh and speaking of going green, it's Time for Greta Thunberg to make history

Who's i-hopping in a new direction...

You guessed it...IHOP.