NY lawmakers propose law requiring colleges to combat antisemitism or risk losing federal funds.
Two congressional lawmakers from different sides of the aisle, both representing New York, have taken a stand against antisemitic protests that have created a hostile environment for Jewish students at Columbia University. Reps. Mike Lawler, a Republican, and Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, introduced the College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA) Act on Friday in response to this pressing issue. The legislation aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students on college campuses, specifically at institutions receiving federal funding.
Lawler emphasized the increasing antisemitism on college campuses as a major concern that requires immediate action. He stated, “If colleges will not step up to protect their students, Congress must act.” The COLUMBIA Act, if passed, would empower the U.S. Department of Education to appoint a third-party antisemitism monitor to colleges receiving federal funding. This monitor would be responsible for evaluating and combating antisemitism within the institution, with the college bearing the expenses associated with the monitorship.
Furthermore, colleges and universities that fail to comply with the monitorship could face the consequence of losing their federal funding. The appointed monitor will be tasked with creating and publishing quarterly reports assessing the progress made in combating antisemitism on campus. These reports will include recommendations for Congress, the Secretary of Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
Representative Torres highlighted the alarming experiences of Jewish students who feel unsafe due to their religious and ethnic identity. Torres stated, “This past week’s crisis at Columbia is not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of ongoing challenges faced by Jewish students. That’s why I am introducing the COLUMBIA Act today and urge all my colleagues in the House to join me in this crucial action.”
Students at Columbia University and Barnard College have been engaging in protests on campus, objecting to the institutions’ investments in companies with ties to Israel. These demonstrations are part of a broader progressive backlash against Israel following Hamas’ terror attacks against the Jewish state. Videos circulating on social media show activists expressing support for Hamas and cheering on the deaths of Israeli soldiers, leading to bipartisan condemnation and accusations of antisemitism.
Jewish students at Columbia have reported feeling unsafe, with instances of verbal and physical assaults. The urgent need for legislative intervention to address these issues has become evident, prompting the introduction of the COLUMBIA Act by Reps. Lawler and Torres. The legislation seeks to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students on college campuses, particularly those belonging to marginalized communities.
As the debate continues surrounding antisemitism on college campuses, the introduction of the COLUMBIA Act represents a significant step towards combating hate speech and discrimination. By holding institutions accountable and promoting tolerance and acceptance, lawmakers are striving to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students.
