House Republicans questioned the leaders of Georgetown University, CUNY, and UC Berkeley regarding their responses to antisemitism. The leaders asserted they had addressed issues where necessary while emphasizing free speech rights. UC Berkeley's Chancellor posited that expressing pro-Palestinian views should not be automatically labeled as antisemitic. Democrats criticized Republicans for focusing solely on antisemitism without expressing concerns about the reduction of Education Department's capabilities to investigate bias. Accusations emerged that university environments allowed antisemitism to persist without significant oversight or action.
"If somebody is expressing pro-Palestinian beliefs, that's not necessarily antisemitic," said UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons, addressing accusations of bias on campuses.
Republicans accused university leaders of permitting unchecked antisemitism on campuses, asserting universities can employ antisemitic faculty and accept foreign funding linked to bias.
Democrats criticized the focus on antisemitism in hearings, arguing the committee has devolved into a kangaroo court rather than effectively addressing Jewish student concerns.
This hearing marks the ninth in a series probing university responses to antisemitism, amid heightened tensions following Hamas' attacks on Israel.
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