The terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th have brought to light troubling trends of anti-Semitism in America, particularly striking the innocent lives of Israelis and Americans.
This is especially evident on college campuses, where Jewish students face harassment and threats at alarming levels.
As a member of Congress, I feel it’s essential to address this hatred directly and clearly.
Reflecting on my college experience, I didn’t attend elite universities. My journey was unconventional, but I still managed to achieve my American dreams. I worked through community college and later moved to a four-year university, where I earned my business degree. After over 30 years in the financial services sector, I built my previous business from the ground up. Now, I serve as the highest-ranking woman in Michigan’s 9th Congressional District.
There isn’t a singular path to success. What’s vital is that every student, regardless of their background, should be able to pursue education in a safe and respectful environment. I did it, but it seems many campuses are failing at this fundamental responsibility.
I felt secure during my time on campus; my identity or faith didn’t make me a target. This should never be the case, and it’s unacceptable.
A recent survey indicated that 81% of Jewish university students actively avoid specific places and events. Moreover, 60% reported witnessing faculty members making offensive anti-Semitic remarks toward them or acquaintances.
Free speech is vital to American democracy, yet there’s a distinct boundary between protest and persecution. When Jewish students fear wearing Jarmulkes or attending classes, the issue goes beyond mere speech; it becomes intimidation.
Ivy League institutions, with their massive endowments and global prestige, have sometimes failed to confront anti-Semitism, disguising it as political expression.
During a Congressional hearing last year, the current president of Harvard couldn’t even say whether inciting violence against Jews violated university policies on bullying and harassment. This contrasts sharply with President Trump’s executive order, which recognized anti-Semitism as discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, clarifying points that too many university officials seem reluctant to face. Anti-Semitism is indeed a civil rights issue.
As we address anti-Semitism on American campuses, it’s essential for students and parents to know that elite institutions aren’t the only choices. Consider community colleges, faith-based schools, and local universities that prioritize student safety. We need reform, and accountability has been long overdue.
In Congress, we’re taking steps to address this. We’ve ramped up oversight of higher education through hearings and funding. On May 7th, the House Committee on Education and Workforce, where I serve, will hold another hearing to examine anti-Semitism in universities and assess the repercussions for schools that fail to protect students.
I plan to ask former university officials what actions have been taken to combat anti-Semitism on campuses and ensure civil rights for all students. If they haven’t acted, why should the federal government fund them?
Let’s be clear: federal funding is a privilege, not a right. It shouldn’t be granted to institutions that allow bias to go unchecked.
The struggle against anti-Semitism transcends partisan lines. It’s a moral issue that reflects our identity as a nation. Community leaders must denounce anti-Semitism unequivocally.
We must create an atmosphere on campuses and in our country where all students can be respected and learn without fear. If necessary, we need to be willing to take strong actions, like withholding federal funds. Silence is no longer an option.
