Rep. Stefanik Grills Northwestern President Over Antisemitism Controversy

New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik grilled Northwestern University President Michael Schill over the school's handling of antisemitism on campus, including reports of an assault on a Jewish student and allegations that Schill considered hiring an anti-Zionist rabbi.

New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik confronted Northwestern University President Michael Schill over the school's handling of antisemitism on campus, citing the university's "F" grade in the Anti-Defamation League's Campus Antisemitism Report Card.

"Isn't it true that you asked the Hillel director whether it was possible to hire an anti-Zionist rabbi for the campus’ Jewish community?" Stefanik inquired, to which Schill responded, "I did not. I absolutely did not. I would never hire anyone based upon their views of being Zionist or anti-Zionist. That is not what I do."

Stefanik pressed further, citing reports from whistleblowers who contradicted Schill's claims. Schill maintained his denial, emphasizing that he would never make hiring decisions based on someone's views on Zionism.

Northwestern has faced a series of lawsuits regarding its handling of antisemitism, including a class action suit alleging the school failed to protect Jewish students. Zeev Wolf Cukiert Sztrigler, a student at Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, reported facing assault on campus and expressed dissatisfaction with Schill's response.

"How does striking a deal make me and other Jewish students safer if the assailant walks around campus feeling empowered? The only sensible action President Schill can do at this point is resign," Sztrigler said.

Stefanik also questioned Schill about allegations of antisemitic harassment and stalking on campus, to which Schill responded that the university was investigating the incidents. Northwestern recently became the first university in the nation to strike a deal with campus agitators, allowing students to review school investments connected to Israel and fund Palestinian-related scholarships and faculty salaries in exchange for protesters dismantling their encampment.

The Anti-Defamation League criticized Schill's actions, arguing that he "rewarded" campus agitators by negotiating with them. Stefanik echoed these concerns, stating, "This is why you've earned an F."

The House hearing was part of a series of hearings investigating campus antisemitism. Last year, the same panel grilled the presidents of Penn, Harvard, and MIT over their handling of similar issues. The hearings have led to the resignation of Penn President Liz Magill and Harvard President Claudine Gay amid backlash for equivocating on whether calls for the genocide of Jews violated their school codes of conduct.