Education Secretary Faces Questions Regarding Loan Forgiveness for Antisemitic Protesters

During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., called on Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to retract student loan forgiveness for students involved in antisemitic protests on college campuses.

Cardona appeared before the House Education Committee to discuss the agency’s priorities and policies, facing tough questions from Foxx.

“Do you believe that students who engage in activities that target an ethnic or religious group, or prevent students of a particular group from freely moving around campus, should have their education funded by taxpayers?” Foxx inquired.

While Cardona did not provide a direct response to the question, he expressed pride in the department’s efforts to support students.

“I am referring to those students who engage in antisemitic behavior, obstruct Jewish students from attending classes, and issue threats,” Foxx clarified. “Do you think taxpayers should be responsible for paying off their loans?”

In response, Cardona emphasized the need for accountability for students who violate the law but avoided stating whether their loans should be forgiven.

“Can you guarantee that students who harass others, obstruct students from attending classes, or commit other offenses will not receive student loan forgiveness?” Foxx persisted.

“Our priority is ensuring safe campus environments,” Cardona asserted. “I strongly condemn any form of hate or violence on campus and have spoken with students and educators who have experienced such incidents.”

Furthermore, on Friday, Cardona addressed college and university presidents in a letter, condemning the antisemitic incidents reported by Jewish students as “abhorrent.”

“There is no tolerance for violence on college campuses,” Cardona stated in the letter. “While individuals have the right to peacefully protest and exercise their First Amendment rights, we cannot condone environments where students feel unsafe and face discrimination.”