High Country Times

WASHINGTON – Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) issued a letter to Northwestern University President Michael Schill and Board of Trustees Chair Peter J. Barris, warning that the Committee is prepared to subpoena documents regarding the university’s response to antisemitism on its campus. This action follows allegations of obstruction by the university administration during an ongoing investigation and President Schill's testimony before the Committee on May 23, 2024.

In her letter, Foxx stated: "The Committee on Education and the Workforce (the Committee) is continuing to investigate the deficiency of Northwestern University’s response to antisemitism on its campus. Unfortunately, rather than being cooperative and transparent, Northwestern has obstructed the Committee’s investigation of this matter." She further criticized President Schill for his conduct during his testimony, noting that he "impeded the Committee" by refusing to answer questions, making contradictory statements, and showing contempt for the investigation.

Foxx emphasized that the Committee would not tolerate such obstruction and is prepared to compel document production if necessary. She stated: "Northwestern’s capitulation to its antisemitic encampment and its impeding of the Committee’s oversight are unbecoming of a leading university... It is inappropriate to expect taxpayers to continue providing federal funding while Northwestern appears to be in violation of its obligations to its Jewish students, faculty, and staff under Title VI."

The letter renews a previous request made on May 10 for various documents including communications related to the Northwestern Liberated Zone and/or the Agreement on Deering Meadow. It also seeks records related to alleged antisemitic incidents since October 7, 2023; disciplinary cases involving students, faculty, or staff; Board of Trustees meeting minutes; documents from the President’s Advisory Committee on Preventing Antisemitism and Hate; and information regarding Northwestern University-Qatar and Qatari donations.

Background events leading up to this include:

- **May 10, 2024**: The Committee sent a letter requesting information about antisemitic incidents.

- **May 17, 2024**: Northwestern failed to provide responsive documents. Of those produced before May 23, only a small percentage were relevant or non-public.

- **May 23, 2024**: President Schill testified but refused several questions from committee members and provided misleading statements.

For more details or access to the full letter from Chairwoman Foxx, click here.

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