Staff Reports
Key GOP Senator Rips College Administrators for Not Addressing Antisemitism, Suggests Cutting Federal Funds
Today, Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) criticized college administrators for not taking a strong stance against antisemitism during the recent pro-Palestinian student protests across the country. Daines, known for his support of former President Donald Trump and as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, specifically called out Columbia University and the University of California for their lack of action in addressing antisemitism on their campuses.
Antisemitism has no place in America. Period.
These protests must be unequivocally condemned by every elected official and the universities promoting this kind of hatred must be defunded. pic.twitter.com/CuuWeSIMTY
— Steve Daines (@SteveDaines) May 1, 2024
During a roundtable event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, Daines suggested cutting off federal funding to these colleges as a potential solution. He highlighted the significant amount of federal funding received by these universities, such as Columbia University’s $1.2 billion and UCLA’s nearly a billion dollars in federal funding last year.
Daines has been at the forefront of Republican efforts to condemn antisemitism on college campuses, a stark contrast to what he perceives as a lack of action from top Democrats. He emphasized the need for bipartisan condemnation and action against antisemitism, expressing disappointment that more Democrats have not joined the cause.
In a separate session with reporters, Daines passionately stressed the importance of standing up against hate and violence directed at Jewish students and professors.
He warned that the Democratic Party could face political consequences for not addressing the issue more forcefully, suggesting that protests and potential backlash could impact the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and influence younger voters in the upcoming elections.
Daines’ remarks underscore the growing concerns among conservative Republicans about the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and the potential political ramifications for the Democratic Party as a result of their perceived inaction.
