Jerry Nadler floats civil rights probes against flood of antisemitism on college campuses
New York Rep. Jerry Nadler has encouraged victims of antisemitism at colleges and universities to consider filing civil rights claims if their institution fails to respond appropriately.
The Manhattan Democrat, one of the most prominent Jewish members of Congress, stressed Thursday that while some of what he called the “overwhelming surge of antisemitism in our country” constitutes “protected, albeit vile speech,” Jewish students are entitled to protection from “threats, intimidation and outright violence.”
“On campus, there are often also codes about hate speech and a culture of safety, and Jewish students must have access to the protections of school administrations in these cases, just as all students do,” Nadler posted on X.
“And if the school fails to respond appropriately, they may be in violation of federal civil right laws. The federal Office of Civil Rights @edcivilrights at @usedgov is the place to send those claims, as it has the authority and responsibility to enforce those laws.”
Cities across the US have been rocked by dozens of anti-Israel demonstrations since Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,400 people, including at least 33 Americans, in an attack on southern Israel Oct. 7.
Many of those demonstrations have included antisemitic invective and intimidation of visibly observant Jews.
On Wednesday night, for instance, Jewish students were forced to remain inside a library at Cooper Union in New York City, while protesters screamed at them from outside.
Some of those Jewish students heard the demonstrators chant, “Globalize the intifada from New York to Gaza,” according to New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov.
On Tuesday, demonstrators projected the words “Glory to Our Martyrs” and “River to the Sea” on George Washington University buildings. The latter phrase refers to the slogan, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be Free,” interpreted by many as a call to wipe Israel off the map.
Leading politicians have demanded a stronger response from university authorities as well as the Biden administration.
Former US ambassador to the United Nations and Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley has suggested yanking the tax-exempt status of institutions who fail to combat the rush of hate.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Haley’s fellow Republican contenders, have called for the US to revoke the visas of foreign nationals in the US who are sympathizing with Hamas.
On Wednesday, the House passed a resolution affirming US support for Israel, with 15 Democrats and one Republican — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) — voting either nay or present.
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