From opposing sides, two members of Congress, both representing New York state, say anti-Semitic protests are creating a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University and putting their safety and well-being at risk. A bill has been proposed in response to the movement.
Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres on Friday announced the University Oversight and Legal Updates (Columbia) Act, which would mandate bias investigations and accountability. If passed, the bill would give the U.S. Department of Education the power to enforce it. Third-party anti-Semitism watchdog for federally funded universities.
“The rise in anti-Semitism on college campuses is of great concern, and we must act to ensure the safety of our students,” Lawlor said. “If universities do not act aggressively to protect students, Congress must act.”
Under the proposed law, the Secretary of Education would appoint monitors and set the terms of their work, while colleges and universities selected for monitoring would be responsible for paying the monitor’s fees.
Columbia University moves to hybrid learning on main campus amid anti-Semitic protests
Congressman Mike Lawler (RN.Y.) (left) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (DN.Y.) require universities to combat anti-Semitism or face loss of federal funding on April 26, 2024. A bill has been introduced that would require it to be done. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images / Al Drago/Bloomberg, via Getty Images)
If passed, universities that do not comply with the oversight regime would lose federal funding.
The appointed monitor will be responsible for preparing and publishing an online quarterly report assessing progress in combating anti-Semitism at the university.
The report will also include recommendations to Congress, the Secretary of Education, and others as appropriate.
Colombia sets deadline for agreement with protesters, threatens ‘alternatives’ to remove demonstrators
Anti-Israel supporters rally in front of Columbia University in New York City on Tuesday. (Gina Moon/Getty Images)
“My office and I have spoken with countless Jewish students on campuses across the country who feel extremely unsafe, purely because of their religious and ethnic identity. is a blatant violation of Title VI, and the federal government cannot allow it to continue unchecked,” Torres said. “Last week’s crisis in Colombia was not an isolated incident and it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. And I am ready to do something about it. That is why today I am introducing the Colombian Law. That’s why I urge all stakeholders to join me in this important action, my colleagues in both parties.”
Students at Columbia University and its sister school, Barnard College, are camping out on campus while demonstrating against Columbia University’s investments in companies with ties to Israel.
Colombia sets deadline for agreement with protesters, threatens ‘alternatives’ to remove demonstrators
An encampment of anti-Israel agitators at Columbia University in New York City. (Peter Garber)
The protests are part of a broader progressive backlash against Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on the Jewish state.
The protests at Columbia University, and similar protests at universities across the country, are now facing bipartisan backlash and accusations that they have veered into anti-Semitic territory.
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Videos that have surfaced on social media show activists cheering for the death of Israeli soldiers at Columbia University and expressing support for Hamas. Jewish students also reported feeling unsafe on campus and shared stories of verbal and physical assault.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
