Press Releases

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you all for being here today, and an especially warm welcome back to our own Congressman Deutch.  I also want to congratulate Talia on graduating.

At the outset, we all condemn antisemitism.  Since our last hearing, we are saddened that the hateful actions and rhetoric targeting Jewish students has continued.  These incidents have and disrupted campuses leaving too many questioning their safety. 

Universities have a responsibility to cultivate safe and supportive learning environments.  Today is an opportunity to hear what happened in the spring and consider recommendations to combat antisemitism on campuses in the fall. 

Some of today’s witnesses blame campus antisemitism on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at schools.  I do not agree. Celebrating and learning from our differences is how we become a more inclusive nation while combatting some of the biggest threats.

The Biden Administration has been hard at work to help our campuses, announcing multiple actions to address reported antisemitic incidents at schools and on college campuses, including DHS and DOJ engagement with state, local, and campus law enforcement.  The Administration also has updated the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights’ discrimination complaint process to specify that certain forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia are prohibited under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Our universities should take the summer to prepare for what’s next. Americans are counting on university administrations to meet the moment with great care, thoughtfulness, and vigilance.

Fighting antisemitism—and all hate—must not be a dividing issue. Denouncing bigotry is an American value, and one that we must all carry forward from today.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

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