House Democrats are taking a stand against campus antisemitism, challenging House Speaker Mike Johnson to back up his rhetoric with action.
Amid concerns that recent Republican efforts are insufficient to address the issue and may serve to divide political factions, Rep. Dan Goldman is introducing a bill allocating $280 million to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. This office is tasked with enforcing federal laws against discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Goldman’s bill has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Reps. Grace Meng, Jerry Nadler, Jake Auchincloss, Jamie Raskin, Kathy Manning, Nikema Williams, and André Carson. This move comes as funding for the Office of Civil Rights was slashed by 25% in the recent federal spending bill, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to combating discrimination.
In response to these developments, Goldman emphasized the importance of addressing hate in all its forms, particularly on college campuses where antisemitism has been a growing concern.
Meanwhile, House Republicans are planning a comprehensive approach to combat campus antisemitism, with proposals ranging from eliminating tax breaks for colleges to restricting student visas.
Democrats are eager to take the lead on this issue, especially as they anticipate potential political repercussions from ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations at universities.
With the 2024 election looming, both parties are acutely aware of the significance of their stance on campus antisemitism. Despite Democrats’ efforts to push for action, the likelihood of Johnson’s office bringing Goldman’s bill to a vote remains uncertain, with one House Republican close to the speaker indicating a slim chance of it reaching the floor.