The House is set to vote on a bipartisan resolution condemning the congressional testimony of three university presidents at a hearing on the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The resolution, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik, calls for the resignation of the university presidents and broadly condemns the rise of antisemitism on university campuses. The university presidents had struggled to respond directly when questioned about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their schools' codes of conduct. The moment was captured on video and sparked international backlash, resulting in one president's resignation.
A report has revealed a concerning surge in antisemitism on US university campuses, with 45 incidents reported in just three days out of a total of 134 documented cases in the past two weeks. The incidents range from concerning behaviors and expressions to calls for violence against Jewish students. The rise in antisemitism has had a direct impact on Jewish students, with many feeling uncomfortable expressing their opinions and experiencing violence or hatred on campus. Efforts to combat antisemitism have been undertaken by organizations and student groups, including thwarting BDS events. Jewish organizations and pro-Israel student activists have come together to promote unity and solidarity, with over 300 rallies in support of Israel taking place across the country.
Students and professors at various universities, including Queen Mary University of London, Northeastern University, and the University of Leiden, are protesting against the installation of sensors in buildings. These sensors, often referred to as cameras, are being used to monitor building occupancy and optimize space utilization. However, critics argue that the sensors invade privacy and raise concerns about the use and security of the collected data. Some universities have faced backlash and abandoned their plans due to privacy and data protection concerns. The issue of surveillance in university campuses raises questions about control over technology and its potential disciplinary use.