University campuses are at the center of scrutiny over accusations that they're fostering antisemitic views. In light of Israel retaliating against a missile strike from Iran, footage of student protestors yelling "we are all Hamas" and "long live Hamas" have received condemnation. Responding to the antisemitism, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) has introduced a bill to hold the universities accountable.
This morning, Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a press conference on Israel's retaliatory act, providing minimal information about Israel's response but maintaining that the United States remains committed to defending Israel. In Tehran, thousands of Iranians took to the streets to protest against both the United States and Israel, chanting "Death to America, Death to Israel."
In the United States, students at Columbia have taken part in similar protests, and lawmakers are now responding to the antisemitic sentiments shared in the protests.
"Antisemitism is hated," Senator Scott said during a Fox News interview. "Our universities have got to say 'this is not going to happen on our campuses.'"
The blatant antisemitism and hatred happening at @Columbia is detestable.
I introduced a bill to make sure any college or university that allows this should lose all federal funding immediately. pic.twitter.com/xML98GH0Gw
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) April 19, 2024
The Florida Senator has introduced a bill that would prevent universities from receiving federal funding if they're caught allowing antisemitism on their campuses.
"You want to continue to allow antisemitism to grow on your campus? You want to continue to let Jewish students be worried about their safety? You are not going to get any federal funding. We've gotta do everything to help our Jewish community. We've gotta do everything we can to help Israel right now."
One of the protestors who was arrested at Columbia is Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D) daughter, and members of "The Squad" have released statements in support.
Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D) commented that "students... are being retaliated against for using their constitutional rights to protest," while New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D) questioned "what merits asymmetric crackdowns on Palestinian human rights protests?'
