Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., have launched a bipartisan congressional caucus aimed at addressing antisemitism in higher education institutions.
The Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus will serve as a platform for lawmakers to "coordinate oversight of how" universities respond to incidents of antisemitism, according to press releases from their offices. The caucus intends to "press institutions to protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff, and to enforce their own anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies," as well as to "advance and track federal legislation targeting campus antisemitism and BDS-driven discrimination." It also plans to "spotlight schools that are getting it right and share best practices across campuses nationwide."
Both lawmakers expressed concern over rising antisemitism on college campuses. "Since October 7th, Jewish students on too many campuses have been harassed, intimidated, and made to feel like strangers in their own school," Gottheimer stated, referencing the October 2023 attack by Hamas. He added, "That’s why Elise and I are teaming up to launch this caucus to hold universities accountable, back up the schools getting it right, like Vanderbilt, and make sure every Jewish kid can have a college experience without fear of discrimination or violence."
Stefanik, who has been a vocal advocate against antisemitism and what she terms "anti-Americanism" in higher education, noted Gottheimer as a "leading partner and legislator" on the issue. "We are committed to saving American higher education for the next generation," she said.
