Steven Thrasher, a left-wing journalism professor at Northwestern University, has been under scrutiny for his support of Hamas terrorists and anti-Israel activism on campus. Thrasher, who holds the Daniel H. Renberg Chair of social justice in reporting, has been known to post anti-Israel rhetoric on his social media accounts since Hamas’ attack on Israel last year. His posts included justifications of Hamas’ actions and comparisons of Israel to Nazis. Additionally, Thrasher spoke at an anti-Israel encampment last month, encouraging protesters to continue their actions.
Northwestern University has faced criticism for their handling of anti-Israel protests on campus, including striking a deal with protesters who demanded divestment from Israel. The deal included allowing students to review school investments, funding Palestinian faculty members, and providing scholarships for Palestinian students. The Jewish community in Chicago has spoken out against the university’s actions, accusing them of betraying Jewish students, faculty, and alumni. The protests on campus follow Hamas’ attack on Israel, which sparked a wave of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses nationwide.
Congressman Carlos Gimenez, who sits on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has called out Thrasher and Northwestern for perpetuating antisemitism on campus. He has criticized university presidents for their inaction in addressing anti-Israel sentiment and has vowed to review federal funding eligibility for schools that fail to protect students from hateful activities. Gimenez stands in solidarity with the Jewish-American community and is committed to fighting antisemitism and supporting the democratic state of Israel.
The protests on college campuses, including Columbia University, UCLA, Harvard, and Yale, have led to hundreds of arrests and disruptions to academic activities. Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe on campus and have been advised to leave for their own protection. Schools such as USC, Emory, and Columbia canceled their graduation ceremonies due to the heightened tensions and threats. Northwestern’s president is set to testify before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding the school’s handling of anti-Israel protests, including those led by Thrasher.
The issue of antisemitism on college campuses has raised concerns about the safety and inclusivity of Jewish students and faculty. Campus leaders are being called upon to address the rise in hateful activities and rhetoric, especially relating to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Gimenez and other lawmakers are working to ensure that schools like Northwestern, which fail to protect students from antisemitic activities, are held accountable and may face funding reviews. The Jewish-American community is standing together to combat antisemitism and defend Israel’s right to exist.
