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Virginia Foxx - Chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce committee | Official U.S. House headshot

Education Committee Slams Education Secretary for Failing to Protect Jewish Students

On the Hill

Today, the Education and the Workforce Committee, led by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, expressed its disappointment with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona for delaying rulemaking that would protect Jewish students from antisemitism on college campuses. The Department's decision to postpone the implementation of President Trump's Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism, which was expected this month, has drawn criticism from the Committee.

In a letter addressed to Secretary Cardona, the lawmakers stated, "This is particularly egregious in the face of increased anti-Jewish hatred sweeping across American schools and college campuses which deserves action from the Department now, not later." They accused the Department of failing to address the concerns and fears of Jewish students through the regulatory process.

The Committee also expressed concerns about the Department's investigations into antisemitism under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. They questioned the objectivity of these investigations and suggested that the outcomes may have been predetermined. The lawmakers cited Secretary Cardona's statement regarding civil rights investigations, where he said, "Look, if an institution refuses to follow the law to protect students, we would withhold dollars... It is difficult to trust the Department to investigate violations of Title VI when your own public statements suggest that you have already come to your own conclusions about the scope of the problem."

The Education and the Workforce Committee Republicans, including Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, and other prominent members, expressed their concerns in the letter. They emphasized the need for the Department to take immediate action to protect Jewish students from the rising tide of antisemitism on campuses.

The Committee's letter seeks to hold Secretary Cardona accountable for failing to prioritize the safety and well-being of Jewish students. It calls for urgent action to address the growing problem of antisemitism in American schools and college campuses. The full letter can be accessed by clicking here.

The Education and the Workforce Committee Republicans are determined to ensure that Jewish students are protected from antisemitism. They are urging the Department to fulfill its obligations under the Civil Rights Act and the Executive Order on Combating Anti-Semitism. As the national crisis of campus antisemitism continues, it is crucial for the Department to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard the rights of Jewish students and create a more inclusive and tolerant educational environment.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://edworkforce.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=409912

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