NE Florida News

U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean and U.S. Congressman Troy Nehls have introduced a bill in response to the rise in antisemitic attacks on college campuses across the nation. The bill, called the Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activities on Campus Act, aims to prevent colleges and universities that enable antisemitic attacks from receiving taxpayer funding, specifically federal student aid.

Congressman Bean expressed his concern about the current situation, stating, "Today, we are seeing the full force of Jewish hatred on our college and university campuses. It's unthinkable that students are unable to walk between classes to their dorms or the dining hall. But it's the reality for Jewish students on campus today. Under no circumstance should taxpayers be funding toxic, hatred dogma anywhere on college campuses."

Congressman Nehls also voiced his support for the legislation, saying, "It's disgusting that Jewish students across the country are living in fear of pro-Hamas protesters. Thank you, Congressman Bean, for introducing this important legislation to combat antisemitism on college campuses. I will always stand with our nation's greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel, and Jewish people across the world."

Senator Marco Rubio, who initially introduced the bill in the Senate, expressed his gratitude to Congressman Bean for joining him in this effort. He emphasized the importance of ensuring student safety and preventing the funding of antisemitic and pro-terrorist activities on college campuses. Senator Rubio stated, "Our tax dollars should not be funding antisemitic, pro-terrorist activities on college campuses. It is absolutely ridiculous that the government is subsidizing this."

The Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activities on Campus Act proposes several effective solutions to combat antisemitism on campuses. Some of the key provisions of the bill include prohibiting federal funds from supporting any activity that promotes terrorist activities, designating terrorist-related activity as an automatic disqualifier for federal student aid, and requiring colleges and universities to report their policies to prevent and respond to unprotected speech related to terrorism and antisemitism on campus.

Additionally, the bill mandates that colleges and universities report on their efforts to combat violations against Jewish individuals on campus and identify faculty, staff, and student candidates who have engaged in terrorist-related activity. It also requires reporting to the Departments of Homeland Security and State instances in which a foreign student on a visa violates the new policies.

The rise in antisemitic attacks on college campuses following the October 7 Hamas Massacre has been alarming. Incidents of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assault have increased by 388% across the United States. The introduction of the Ending Subsidies for Pro-Terrorist Activities on Campus Act is a significant step towards addressing this issue and ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campuses nationwide.

The bill is expected to receive support from lawmakers who are committed to combating antisemitism and protecting the rights of all students on college campuses. With its comprehensive approach to addressing antisemitic attacks, the legislation aims to create a safer and more inclusive environment for Jewish students.

To learn more, click on this link: https://bean.house.gov/media/press-releases/bean-nehls-take-action-halt-antisemitic-attacks-campuses