House Probe into Antisemitism on Campus to Use Research Funding as Lever

House Republicans are calling for federal research funds to be withheld from universities that fail to protect Jewish students from antisemitic acts.

The House-wide effort, announced last week, comes as many institutions grapple with campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war and calls to divest from Israel, alongside increased reports of antisemitic incidents on campus.

“Universities that can’t protect their students are not in compliance with their funding obligations through the National Science Foundation,” said House Science Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK) at a press conference.

He added, “As a part of the conditions of receiving taxpayer dollars through the NSF, universities must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin. …It’s time we review whether universities that allow the harassment, assault, or intimidation of their Jewish students are in compliance with their federal obligations. We’ll be looking to conduct oversight of this issue very soon.”

Separately last week, the Education Department sent a letter to universities reminding them of their obligations under Title VI and offering resources to aid in compliance.

This news brief originally appeared in FYI’s newsletter for the week of May 6.