House Republicans are continuing their investigation into antisemitism at universities across the country, with closed-door interviews scheduled with presidents from Yale University and the University of Michigan. The probe follows a hearing earlier this month where presidents from Northwestern University, Rutgers University, and UCLA testified about antisemitic incidents on their campuses.
House Republicans have launched a wide-ranging investigation into antisemitism on college campuses, following a series of protests and demonstrations against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The investigation will be led by top GOP committees, including Education & the Workforce, Energy & Commerce, Oversight, the Judiciary, Ways & Means, and Science, Space & Technology.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has condemned ‘outside agitators’ at New York University and Columbia University anti-Israel protests, while Sen. Bernie Sanders has declined to commit to holding hearings on college antisemitism. The demonstrations have escalated across the country, with 23 of the top 50 universities experiencing active anti-Israel protests. In response, 27 Republican senators have signed a letter demanding the prosecution of any individuals perpetrating violence or threatening Jewish students, as well as the revocation of visas for non-citizens promoting terrorism and the accountability of school administrators.
On Monday, Yale University witnessed the arrest of 47 students protesting in support of Palestinian rights. As the group known as Occupy Beinecke set up an encampment, university officials warned of police involvement if they violated outdoor space policies. Despite the group’s rejection of a university offer to disseminate information, over 60 protesters, including the arrested students, refused to leave the plaza. Yale President Peter Salovey justified the arrests, citing reports of threatening language and disruption. The incident reflects the growing tensions on campus communities over pro-Palestinian demonstrations and alleged antisemitism, with similar protests reportedly occurring at other universities.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed support for student-led climate protests on campuses nationwide, highlighting their organizing power. However, her remarks come amidst concerns over anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University, prompting the recommendation from an Orthodox rabbi for Jewish students to leave campus due to safety fears. A Jewish professor has called for the National Guard’s intervention, describing the protests as a ‘takeover of the university’ and a ‘showdown’ between Hamas supporters and Western civilization.
