A group of over 20 Senate Republicans have sent a public letter to the heads of the Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Justice (DOJ) demanding action in light of recent Palestinian campus protests.
The Senators asked Attorney General Garland and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to immediately act to prosecute individuals responsible for anti-Semetic behavior targeting Jewish students.
Pro-Palestenian protests have erupted across several American Universities’ campuses, with some reportedly chanting pro-Hamas and anti-Semetic slogans.
According to the Senators, anti-Semetic behavior violates Title IX of the Civil Rights act, making schools failing to act to halt such behavior liable to losing federal funds.
“School administrators’ failure to protect Jewish students from discrimination or harassment violates federal law and is grounds for those schools losing access to federal funds,” reads the letter.
Additionally, in light of reported threats made against Jewish students, the Senators urged the DOJ prosecute individuals responsible for the threatening behavior.
Moreover, the Senators requested Garland revoke student visas of pro-Hamas supporters, as “espousing support for terrorists such as Hamas violates federal immigration law and is grounds for deportation.”
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) joined the letter and echoed calls for Garland and Cardona to harness their federal authority to chastise pro-Hamas and anti-Semetic protestors.
“Garland and Cardona should heed our word – take action to shut down and prosecute these anti-Israel mobs, and ensure protection of Jewish students NOW,” said Senator Scott.
The pro-Palestine protests originated in Columbia University in New York City and spread across the US as the House of Representatives passed a $60 billion foreign aid deal.
The bill would fund Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s military efforts as well as provide humanitarian aid for the Gaza strip.
Protestors have claimed funding Israel is tantamount to directly contributing to what they allege are Israel’s genocidal acts in Gaza.
The White House condemned anti-Semitic behavior on American college campuses last Sunday, but has since then been silent on the issue.
