Lawmakers to grill college presidents over antisemitism concerns
Share and Follow


() House Republicans are set to grill three college presidents accused of tolerating antisemitism as pro-Palestinian protests took campuses by storm last year.

The presidents of Haverford College, California Polytechnic State University and DePaul University will appear before the Committee of Education and Workforce on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. EDT.

“This hearing is a continuation of this work so that we can ensure Jewish students across the nation don’t face threats or harassment in violation of Title VI,” said committee chair Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., in a statement.

Ahead of Wednesday’s hearing, lawmakers said their goal is not to get the presidents fired for their handling of protests but to get them to do their jobs.

“What we’re seeing on college campuses today isn’t activism, it’s intimidation, it’s harassment … Let me be clear, there’s no justification none for chanting in support of the evil terrorist group Hamas,” said Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah.

Some universities, such as Harvard, have shared concerns that the administration is using the “guise of combating antisemitism” to overstep and control the nation’s schools.

Recent Gaza war protests on college campuses

Earlier this week, protesters at the University of Washington clashed with police, occupying a campus building and calling for the school to cut ties with Boeing over its role in supplying weapons to the war in Gaza.

The occupation lasted several hours with blockades and dumpster fires, and it ended with police storming the building and making 30 arrests.

“The University will not be intimidated by this sort of offensive and destructive behavior and will continue to oppose antisemitism in all its forms,” university spokesperson Victor Balta said in a statement.

Hillel International, a Jewish student organization, said antisemetic incidents on college campuses increased 700% after the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023.

The president of DePaul University told his campus has implemented systemic changes to eliminate antisemitism and that he looks forward to Wednesday’s hearing.

Trump cuts federal funding for universities

The committee’s findings could influence President Donald Trump’s decisions on federal funding cuts. He previously vowed to curtail aid for schools that allow pro-Palestinian demonstrations or refuse to follow his controversial list of demands for institutions.

At Columbia University, the loss of federal funding has resulted in the termination of nearly 180 employees after Trump canceled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the school.

Meanwhile, the Education Department said this week that Harvard will not receive any new federal grants until the school meets the administration’s demands.

Trump already froze more than $2 billion in federal grants to Harvard and wants to strip the school of its tax-exempt status.

Harvard has continued to call those actions “government overreach.”

‘s Nancy Loo and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Left-wing New Hampshire professor smeared Charlie Kirk for 'white supremacy' after assassination

New Hampshire Professor Criticizes Charlie Kirk, Linking Him to White Supremacy Debate After Tragic Event

Just a day following the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder…
FAA flight reductions: Cuts tied to shutdown begin being phased in at 40 busy airports

FAA Begins Phasing in Flight Reductions at 40 Major Airports Amid Shutdown

In an effort to ensure travel safety amidst the ongoing government shutdown,…
'Big Short' Michael Burry's $1bn crash bet pays off as stocks implode

Michael Burry’s $1 Billion Crash Bet: How the ‘Big Short’ Visionary Profited from the Stock Market Meltdown

The financial analyst who foresaw the 2008 economic collapse might soon be…
Alex Murdaugh slams new true-crime series depicting family's double-murder: 'Misleading portrayals'

Inside the Latest True Crime Unveilings: Alex Murdaugh’s Protest, Bryan Kohberger’s Plan, and a Shocking ‘House of Horrors’ Discovery

Cellebrite on Kohberger’s search for psychopath Heather and Jared Barnhart, experts from…
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's last weeks at Royal Lodge revealed

Exclusive Insight: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor’s Final Days at Royal Lodge Uncovered

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor has reportedly been spending his remaining days at the…
Taylor Swift rocks miniskirt for date night with Travis Kelce in NYC

Taylor Swift Stuns in Chic Miniskirt During Glamorous NYC Date Night with Travis Kelce

Taylor Swift flaunted her stunning legs during an elegant night out with…
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland and defensive end Sam Williams celebrate a touchdown

Tragic Loss: Dallas Cowboys Community Mourns the Passing of Marshawn Kneeland

Editor’s Note: This article discusses sensitive topics related to suicide. We urge…
Miami-Dade deputy fatally shot during altercation, prompting massive police response

Tragic Miami-Dade Deputy Shooting Sparks Widespread Police Mobilization

A Miami-Dade deputy tragically lost his life following a shooting incident on…