Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) has sent a letter to Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, raising concerns about the mayor’s response to an encampment at Northwestern University in April 2024. The documents released by the committee allege that Mayor Biss refused to provide police support needed to clear what was described as a violent and antisemitic encampment, with the intention of strengthening his progressive reputation.
In his letter, Chairman Walberg wrote: "I write with grave concern regarding your failure to protect Jewish students at Northwestern University (Northwestern) by refusing to give the university the police support it desperately needed to clear its violent and antisemitic encampment in April 2024. Just recently you touted this failure in a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, describing the individuals at the encampment as 'peaceful.' In reality, the encampment was a hotbed of antisemitic harassment and hostility, including multiple alleged assaults and virulently antisemitic signage."
Chairman Walberg continued: "Indeed, Committee documents show that Northwestern was looking to arrest protesters on April 26 but was unable to do so with 'too few police to safely get this done' due to your refusal to provide support. Concerningly, a Northwestern trustee said at the time that you were publicizing your refusal to provide the campus with support in order to 'shore up [your] progressive credentials.' The same trustee advised Northwestern’s then-president: 'If the winds blow the wrong way [Biss] will throw you under the bus. No hesitation.'"
The chairman concluded: "Considering your recent interest in campus conduct and antidiscrimination efforts at Northwestern, the Committee requests a briefing on, in your words, 'local law-enforcement coordination' when it comes to antisemitic activity on college campuses in Evanston. This briefing will aid the Committee in considering whether potential legislative changes, including legislation to specifically address antisemitic discrimination, are needed."
The House Education and Workforce Committee oversees federal initiatives related to education, labor policy, health programs and workforce training. It examines policies affecting school options and vocational programs while also monitoring relevant government agencies (official website). The committee plays a key role in shaping legislative priorities for student protection and worker rights (official website).
To read the full letter and supporting documents referenced by Chairman Walberg, click here.
