McMahon Talks Protecting Free Speech, Tackles Antisemitism on Campus
Share this @internewscast.com

Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated at the Young America’s Foundation (YAF) National Conservative Student Conference on Wednesday that holding universities accountable for widespread antisemitism supports, rather than restricts, free speech.

Reflecting on a recent agreement with Columbia University, McMahon spoke alongside former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker in Washington D.C. Columbia University reached a settlement that includes a $200 million fine and an additional $21 million payable to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to address antisemitism claims, in exchange for the restoration of significant federal funding. The agreement with the Trump administration requires the university to combat campus antisemitism and ensure protests remain peaceful. McMahon remarked:

Some universities faced Department of Education actions due to inadequate protection for students, particularly in cases of antisemitism. Instances at campuses like Columbia included protests obstructing classes, with some students being trapped inside a library while others outside yelled aggressive slogans.

.

WATCH:

She further stated that the president had pledged to eliminate any form of bigotry on campus. Despite accusations that these measures stifled free speech, McMahon clarified this was not the case.

READ MORE: Exclusive– -’s Alex Marlow: ‘Deeply Engaged Conservative Movement’ Crucial for Beating Left’s Lawfare, Winning the Culture War

When questioned about Palestinian students’ right to protest, McMahon affirmed they should be allowed to protest, emphasizing it must remain peaceful.

The agreement with Columbia ensures everyone can protest but dictates specific times and locations. Protests must not impede academic activities or occur in libraries. Authorization is required for protests, and mask-wearing is only permitted for religious or health reasons. Protesters must show identification if requested by campus security to address the issue of outsiders joining protests.

“We had students who were hurt on campuses, faculty that were attacked on campuses. That’s not part of freedom of speech. That is violence,” she continued. “And we will actually investigate you for civil rights violations…and that’s what we’ve done. The penalties that have been put on those universities were for not protecting students’ rights and [not] having students feel safe on campus — so there’s a very big difference between the First Amendment and freedom of speech and the right to protest.”

“What we’re really trying to get universities to get back to…is being places where you have discussions and different opinions and debates…” she concluded. “…We have devolved from that, and students have to feel safe walking across campus.” 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Understanding the Controversy: Why Rory McIlroy Faced Ryder Cup Criticism

Rory McIlroy sat in front of me, draped in a European flag and…

Football Enthusiast Considered as a Candidate for Archbishop of Canterbury

A self-confessed ‘Newcastle United nut’ has entered the running to become the…

Trump Unveils Significant Changes to Drug Pricing in Partnership with Pharma Leader Pfizer

President Donald Trump and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer have declared an agreement…

Eerie email sent by mother before murder-suicide involving her and daughter

A well-known Brisbane anaesthetist sent a distressing email to a colleague prior…

Historic 135-Year-Old Retailer Shuts Down All 65 Locations Following Bankruptcy

The great American drugstore shakeout has claimed another victim — as yet…

Nicole Kidman’s Risqué Roles That Allegedly Affected Her Marriage to Keith Urban

She’s no stranger to eyebrow-raising sex scenes, having stripped off for her…

Scheffler’s Dad Confronts Rude Ryder Cup Spectator Amid Rising Tensions

Soon after sunrise on Friday morning, the wives of Scottie Scheffler and…

Nicole Kidman’s Divorce Intensifies Amid Alleged Keith Urban ‘Rumor’ According to Friends

During the height of the Covid pandemic, Nicole Kidman and her husband,…

Philippines Earthquake of 6.7 Magnitude Claims Six Lives

Six people have been confirmed dead after a strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the central…

ICE Officers Confront Brazilian Woman During Her Green Card Interview

A Brazilian woman claims she was taken into ICE custody after being…

Sarm Disappears from Boyfriend’s Yacht: Friend Breaks Silence

More than four years have passed since Kate Owen’s friend Sarm Heslop…

Starmer Seeks to Mobilize Labour Supporters at Conference, Eyeing Competition with Farage

Keir Starmer is set to address the discontent within the Labour Party…