Democratic House members propose reducing financial aid to colleges with antisemitic behavior

Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., expressed on Sunday that reducing federal funding to Harvard University and other institutions must be considered due to their handling of reported campus antisemitism.

Auchincloss, an alumnus of Harvard, visited the Ivy League school earlier this month amidst ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations and raised concerns that the university’s management of antisemitism could potentially violate federal law.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday,” Auchincloss stated, “A discussion about Harvard losing federal funding ‘needs to be on the table.’ Harvard and other universities have unfortunately seen an increase in antisemitism.

“In my discussions with Israeli and Jewish students, I have witnessed it. I have observed the evidence,” he continued.

“They need to reassess their culture, focus on fundamental principles, and establish a culture of open dialogue, freedom of speech, mutual respect, and a conducive learning environment for everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, or race, to pursue truth.”

During the interview, news anchor Shannon Bream referred to a recent report by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) which rated Harvard, Tufts University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and 10 other schools poorly in terms of their policies to prevent antisemitism.

“Currently,” Auchincloss told Bream, “Harvard is falling short. After the ADL highlighted these poor grades, I reached out to the eight universities in Massachusetts that received a grade of C or lower and requested an action plan by May 17, which they have submitted. We are now assessing these plans with the ADL to ensure they make necessary improvements over the summer.”

Pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses have called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and have urged universities and the U.S. to sever financial ties with Israel. Despite the participation of Jewish students, most protest groups denied any antisemitic intentions in their demonstrations, as reported by The Hill.