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.
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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.
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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.”
