House Republicans Demand Transparency on Campus Protest Policies Amid Anti-Israel Protests

A bill introduced by House Republicans would require colleges to disclose their policies on campus protests and ensure that they are enforced fairly, especially in cases of anti-Israel demonstrations.

As anti-Israel protests continue to roil college campuses across the country, a group of House Republicans are pushing for new legislation to force universities to be more transparent about their policies regarding campus protests and whether that guidance is being followed correctly.

The No Tax Dollars For College Encampments Act, introduced by Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., would require universities that receive federal funds to disclose what kind of policies they have to deal with civil disturbances on campus, and how they enforce those rules. It would also mandate close monitoring of campus crime statistics at those schools.

House Republicans Demand Transparency on Campus Protest Policies Amid Anti-Israel Protests

The bill is part of House Republicans' continued response to the wave of anti-Israel protests that wracked college campuses across the country last spring. Students and other activists set up tent encampments at top universities like Columbia, the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Michigan and others in protest of Israel's invasion of Gaza in response to the October 7 Hamas terror attacks.

"Last school year, makeshift encampments were allowed to flourish on campuses across the country, disrupting classes and intimidating Jewish students," Banks said in a statement. "This is unacceptable. My legislation holds these woke universities accountable and ensures they enforce protest rules fairly and equally, not only when it fits their political agenda."

House Republicans Demand Transparency on Campus Protest Policies Amid Anti-Israel Protests

Stefanik echoed Banks' sentiments, saying the legislation would prevent the "disgraceful mob riots" seen on campuses and ensure school leaders are enforcing policies against hostile campus takeovers.

The bill has the backing of six other House Republicans and several conservative groups like Parents Defending Education Action.

House Republicans Demand Transparency on Campus Protest Policies Amid Anti-Israel Protests

It comes as House GOP investigators have launched a high-profile probe into how universities are handling anti-Semitism on campus, amid reports from Jewish students that they have felt unsafe and experienced an uptick in anti-Semitic incidents.

In New York City earlier this year, police arrested roughly 300 people over protests on two campuses, including Columbia, where students briefly took over control of one school building. In Los Angeles, videos of activists clashing with police went viral online. It is not clear whether anyone was charged in either incident.

House Republicans Demand Transparency on Campus Protest Policies Amid Anti-Israel Protests

All the while, Jewish students have reported feeling unsafe on campus and have claimed to witness and experience a troubling uptick in antisemitism. It is unclear whether the bill would address these concerns directly, but it is clear that House Republicans are taking aim at campus protests that they believe have gone too far.

The bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require universities that receive federal funds to disclose what kind of policies they have to deal with civil disturbances on campus, and how they enforce those rules. It would also mandate close monitoring of campus crime statistics at those schools.

It is unclear whether the bill will pass the House or the Senate, but it is a sign of the growing concern among Republicans about the state of free speech on college campuses.