House Speaker Mike Johnson met with President Biden last week, urging him to see firsthand the surge in antisemitism at Columbia University. The House Republicans have announced a crackdown on antisemitism, holding university leaders and donors accountable. Johnson referred to antisemitism as a virus that is spreading due to the inaction of the administration and university presidents. The White House has not yet responded to Johnson’s request for action.
Following a protest, a mob of masked rioters broke into Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, barricading themselves inside after being ordered to vacate their tent camp. The university began suspending students who remained in defiance of the order, with some students displaying threatening and violent behavior. Johnson criticized the rioters’ actions as threatening and dangerous, calling for control. The House GOP leaders renewed their calls for the resignation of the university president following the incident.
The House Republicans are calling for action to address the outbreak of antisemitic protests and violence, with emphasis on the involvement of Hamas, Iran, and members of the ‘Squad,’ including Rep. Ilhan Omar. They criticized President Biden, Democrat governors, and university leaders for allowing antisemitism to fester by refusing to enforce laws and ensuring the safety of Jewish students. Committee leaders have called for universities to testify before Congress about the antisemitic outbreaks on their campuses and have promised increased oversight of institutions receiving public funding.
Committee leaders, including Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, are investigating the federal funding and tax breaks enjoyed by universities that have seen antisemitic outbreaks. They are actively reviewing over 1,500 pages of documents to hold universities accountable for violating civil rights laws. The House Judiciary Committee is demanding information about overseas students endorsing terrorist activity, particularly those praising Hamas. The joint committee effort is aimed at providing decisive leadership to address the growing issue of antisemitism on college campuses.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the property destruction and lawlessness at Columbia, stating that such actions are not a form of free speech but criminal behavior. He emphasized that campuses should be places of learning, discussion, and argument, rather than sites of violence and intimidation. Schumer reiterated that targeting Jewish students for their faith or showing support for organizations like Hamas is antisemitism and unacceptable. He called for consequences to be imposed on those who engage in such behavior to ensure that campuses remain safe and respectful environments for all students.
