Staff Reports
After a week of delay, the Senate has finally passed a resolution condemning anti-semitic behavior on college campuses. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), was initially objected to by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) who claimed that student protests had “legitimate” concerns. However, in Thursday’s vote, no Democrats objected and the resolution passed.
Senate Finally Passes Josh Hawley's Resolution Condemning Anti-Semitism on Campuses
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Sen. Hawley highlighted the increasing dangers that Jewish students face on college campuses. He cited examples from George Washington University and Cooper Union where anti-semitic incidents occurred. He reminded the Senate that last week he had attempted to pass the same resolution, but it was blocked. Hawley pointed out that since then, the situation has only worsened.
He specifically mentioned a message projected onto the library at GWU that read “Free Palestine From the River to the Sea.” Sen. Hawley explained that this message is a direct reference to Hamas’ call for the extermination of Israel and the genocide of Jews. He questioned whether Jewish students would need to be escorted to class, similar to how black students were protected in the 1950s.
Hawley’s resolution provided numerous examples of universities where students have supported and praised Hamas, vocally supported its atrocities, and chanted antisemitic slogans. Some of the schools mentioned in the resolution include Harvard University, New York University School of Law, Ohio State University, University of North Carolina, University of Virginia, and Columbia University.
Unfortunately, even the White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, downplayed and dismissed these incidents of anti-semitism. Despite acknowledging that it’s happening across the country, she refused to provide specifics and emphasized the First Amendment rights of students. This kind of attitude from the Biden administration shows a lack of concern for the safety and well-being of Jewish Americans.
It’s clear that our institutions of higher learning have failed to address this issue adequately. These incidents of anti-semitism should be strongly condemned, and it is the responsibility of the government and universities to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students. It’s time for our leaders to take action and protect the rights of Jewish students on college campuses.
