Jewish Democrat Lawsuit Against Harvard Spurs Congressional Action on College Campus Antisemitism

A Jewish activist and Harvard graduate has endorsed former President Donald Trump over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, citing a lack of action by the Democratic Party on antisemitism. Congressional committees are also taking steps to ensure that universities receiving federal funds are complying with civil rights laws amid a rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses.

Amidst a lawsuit by a Jewish Democrat against Harvard University over antisemitism, congressional committees are stepping up efforts to address the rise in anti-Jewish incidents on college campuses.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Jewish activist and recent Harvard graduate Shabbos Kestenbaum revealed his decision to endorse former President Donald Trump in 2024, expressing his dissatisfaction with Kamala Harris's lack of support for the Jewish community.

Jewish Democrat Lawsuit Against Harvard Spurs Congressional Action on College Campus Antisemitism

This decision comes as the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Education and the Workforce have sent a joint letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, inquiring about complaints of antisemitic behavior at educational institutions receiving federal grants.

The letter emphasizes that the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) within HHS provides guidance on campus conduct but demands further action to ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws, particularly regarding antisemitism.

Jewish Democrat Lawsuit Against Harvard Spurs Congressional Action on College Campus Antisemitism

"Merely issuing guidance does not demonstrate that HHS OCR is taking active steps to ensure that universities or institutions are complying with federal civil rights laws," the lawmakers write.

They request a list of all misconduct allegations and related communication documents at NIH-funded institutions, dating back to fiscal year 2023.

Jewish Democrat Lawsuit Against Harvard Spurs Congressional Action on College Campus Antisemitism

Republican Representative Virginia Foxx expressed concerns that certain HHS-funded medical institutions, including Columbia University, are allowing antisemitism to flourish.

HHS has acknowledged receipt of the letter and pledged to respond directly to the committee, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring that funded institutions are free from discrimination, including the rise of antisemitism.

Jewish Democrat Lawsuit Against Harvard Spurs Congressional Action on College Campus Antisemitism

A similar letter has been sent to Columbia University, requesting data on complaints of hostile environments based on antisemitism and how they were addressed. The university has yet to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Evan Bernstein, Vice President of Community Relations for Jewish Federations of North America, has raised concerns about the exclusion of Jews from health organizations and educational institutions based on their political beliefs. He believes it is necessary to sound the alarm amidst rising concerns from Jewish communities nationwide.

These congressional actions underscore the growing awareness and concern surrounding antisemitism on college campuses, as well as the need for universities to take proactive measures to prevent and address such incidents.