New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik confronted Northwestern University President Michael Schill over his school’s “F grade” for handling antisemitism and allegations that he sought to hire an anti-Zionist rabbi. Schill denied the claims, but whistleblowers have come forward with information contradicting his statement. Stefanik and two other university presidents testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce about their failure to protect Jewish students on campus. Northwestern was the only university in the nation to receive a downgraded score in the Anti-Defamation League’s Campus Antisemitism Report Card this year.
Stefanik grilled Schill on incidents of antisemitism at Northwestern, including a Jewish student being assaulted, verbally harassed, and spat on while wearing a yarmulke. Schill acknowledged the allegations and stated that investigations are underway, but could not provide a timeline for when they will be finalized. The congresswoman criticized Schill for earning an F grade in the Anti-Defamation League report, pointing out that the university’s handling of antisemitism issues has been inadequate. Lawsuits have been filed against Northwestern regarding its failure to protect Jewish students, one of which is a class action suit accusing the school of negligence.
Northwestern became the first university to publicly announce negotiations with campus agitators, allowing students to review school investments connected to Israel in exchange for protesters dismantling their encampment. The Anti-Defamation League circulated a petition calling for Schill’s resignation, arguing that he “rewarded” campus agitators with the negotiations. Jewish students at Northwestern have faced harassment and intimidation on campus, with incidents of antisemitism worsening since October 7. The ADL accused Schill of giving in to hatred and bigotry by negotiating with the protesters and called for his resignation.
The hearing revolving around campus antisemitism was conducted by the same committee that previously grilled presidents of other universities over similar issues. Following the hearing, Harvard President Claudine Gay and Penn President Liz Magill resigned from their positions amid backlash over their handling of antisemitism on campus. Northwestern student Zeev Wolf Cukiert Sztrigler called for Schill’s resignation, citing a personal experience of assault on campus. Schill has faced criticism for failing to adequately address incidents of antisemitism and for entering into negotiations with campus protesters, which many view as rewarding their behavior.
Stefanik’s interrogation of Schill brought attention to the lack of accountability for handling antisemitism at Northwestern, with the university receiving criticism for its complacency in addressing these issues. The whistleblowers who have come forward have raised concerns about Schill’s alleged attempts to hire an anti-Zionist rabbi, further adding to the controversy surrounding the university’s response to antisemitism. The committee hearing shed light on Northwestern’s failure to protect Jewish students and its handling of campus antisemitism, resulting in calls for accountability and reform within the university administration. The growing backlash and legal challenges faced by Northwestern highlight the urgency for the school to take immediate action to address antisemitism on its campus and ensure the safety and well-being of its Jewish students.
