House Republicans Launch Investigation into Antisemitism on College Campuses
House Republicans Launch Investigation into Federal Funding for Universities Amid Antisemitism Concerns
WASHINGTON — House Republicans announced on Tuesday that they are launching an investigation into the federal funding for universities where students have protested the Israel-Hamas war, citing concerns about rising antisemitism on campus.
The investigation will involve several House committees and could potentially result in the withholding of federal research grants and other government support to universities that fail to adequately address antisemitism and protect Jewish students on campus.
The move comes after high-profile hearings led to the resignations of presidents at Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, and House Republicans are now calling on administrators at Yale, UCLA, and the University of Michigan to testify next month.
“We will not allow antisemitism to thrive on campus, and we will hold these universities accountable for their failure to protect Jewish students,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The investigation follows protests on campuses nationwide calling for universities to cut ties with Israel and criticizing the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Jewish students have reported being targeted, leading to calls for stronger protections from campus administrators.
Republicans are seizing on the issue as election season heats up, with the GOP looking for a cause to unite them and divide Democrats. The House GOP’s impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden has faltered, and the party is seeking to capitalize on divisions within the Democratic party over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the targeting of Jewish students on campus, while Rep. Pete Aguilar emphasized the importance of balancing free speech with campus safety.
House Republicans are vowing to use all available tools to push universities to address antisemitism, but any legislative action would likely face challenges in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The investigation has already produced viral moments, with university presidents facing tough questions about antisemitism on campus. Republicans are framing the campaign against antisemitism as part of a broader push against liberal bias in higher education.
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has scheduled a hearing for May 23 with administrators from Yale, UCLA, and the University of Michigan to discuss their handling of recent protests on campus.
As the investigation unfolds, universities are facing legal challenges from both Jewish and pro-Palestinian student groups, highlighting the complex and contentious nature of the issue.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called on university administrators to take action to protect Jewish students and ensure that campuses remain safe and inclusive environments for all students.