Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., are forming a new bipartisan congressional caucus aimed at confronting antisemitism on college and university campuses.
The Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus is intended to give lawmakers from both parties a formal channel to coordinate oversight of how higher education institutions respond to antisemitic incidents, according to announcements from the lawmakers’ offices.
The caucus will push colleges and universities to safeguard Jewish students, faculty and staff while enforcing existing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination rules. It will also work to advance and monitor federal legislation addressing campus antisemitism and discrimination tied to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, while highlighting institutions viewed as effective models and sharing best practices nationwide, the releases said.
Gottheimer, a Jewish Democrat, and Stefanik, a Catholic Republican, have both made antisemitism a focus of their work in Congress despite coming from different political and religious backgrounds.
“Since October 7th, Jewish students on too many campuses have been harassed, intimidated, and made to feel like strangers in their own school,” Gottheimer said, referencing the 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israel.
“That’s why Elise and I are teaming up to launch this caucus to hold universities accountable, back up the schools getting it right, like Vanderbilt, and make sure every Jewish kid can have a college experience without fear of discrimination or violence,” he added.
Stefanik, who authored the book “Poisoned Ivies,” said she has “been proud to be the leader in Congress on combatting antisemitism and anti-Americanism at our colleges and universities.”
She also described Gottheimer as a key ally, saying he “has been a leading partner and legislator with whom I have worked on this critical issue.”
“We are committed to saving American higher education for the next generation.”
Fox News’ Kelly Phares contributed to this report.
