Reps. Elise Stefanik and Josh Gottheimer establish bipartisan caucus to address antisemitism on college campuses

Representatives Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., are forming a congressional coalition aimed at addressing antisemitism in higher education. The newly established Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus will serve as a bipartisan platform for lawmakers to oversee how educational institutions respond to antisemitism. According to statements from the lawmakers' offices, the caucus will advocate for the protection of Jewish students, faculty, and staff, and ensure that schools enforce their anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies. It will also promote and monitor federal legislation aimed at combating campus antisemitism and discrimination driven by the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, while highlighting institutions that effectively address these issues and sharing best practices across campuses nationwide. Gottheimer, a Jewish Democrat, expressed concern over the harassment and intimidation faced by Jewish students since the October 7th attack by Hamas in Israel, stating, "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." Stefanik, who has authored a book on the subject, emphasized her commitment to combating antisemitism and anti-Americanism in higher education, acknowledging Gottheimer as a key partner in this initiative. The caucus aims to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students in American colleges.