University leaders testify about antisemitism on college campuses
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Protests on college campuses are causing clashes on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, some House lawmakers held a hearing to disavow antisemitic demonstrations, while others rallied for free speech.
In the wake of anti-war protests on their campuses, lawmakers grilled the leaders of UCLA, Northwestern University, and Rutgers University. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) criticized their handling of the demonstrations.
“Each of you should be ashamed of your decisions that allow antisemitic encampments to endanger Jewish students,” Foxx said.
But the leaders pushed back. Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway says his university is working to investigate all reports of harassment.
“We address every instance that’s brought to our attention of discriminatory behavior including antisemitism,” Holloway said.
Congressman Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) says there haven’t been enough consequences for antisemitism on campus.
“No one seems to be held accountable,” Bean said.
Some Democrats argue that lawmakers should be focusing on legislation, instead of holding another hearing on the protests.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) is among a group calling to pass a bill that would boost college resources to address hate on campus.
“When we don’t put our money where our mouth is and our policies, we are failing this nation. We are failing Muslim students. We are failing Jewish students,” Stevens said.
While the hearing was happening inside of the Capitol, outside lawmakers and college advocates were rallying in support of the campus protests.
“It is appalling to witness the crackdown and violent repression of First Amendment protected speech and assembly on college campuses,” Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said.
Congresswoman Tlaib accuses people in both parties of trying to suppress the protests.
“It is disgusting that the Biden Administration and my colleagues in Congress continue to smear them for protesting to save lives,” Tlaib said.
She was joined by Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), who says they support the students’ calls for a ceasefire and divestment from Israel.
“They do not want us to use taxpayer dollars to kill babies and children and innocent people in Gaza or anywhere else in the world. Enough is enough,” Bowman said.
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