Virginia Foxx - Chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Virginia Foxx - Chairwoman of the Education and the Workforce committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg and Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Chairman Burgess Owens have sent letters to five colleges regarding their responses to antisemitism on campus. The schools involved are Barnard College, Bowdoin College, Northwestern University, Pomona College, and Sarah Lawrence College.
In their letter to Barnard College, the Members described an incident on February 26 when masked agitators caused damages during a protest at Milbank Hall. They also referenced a March 5 bomb threat at the library that necessitated police intervention.
At Bowdoin College, about 50 students faced discipline for their part in an encampment. However, Walberg and Owens questioned whether meaningful discipline would result, citing an "understanding" reached between the students and the administration.
Northwestern University's involvement was detailed in the use of the Pritzker School of Law's resources to provide legal aid to those arrested during an anti-Israel blockade, raising concerns about the use of federal funds.
The Members highlighted Pomona College's "F" grade on the Anti-Defamation League’s 2025 Campus Antisemitism Report Card. The report card referenced a flyer for Israel’s Independence Day being defaced with offensive comments.
Sarah Lawrence College was questioned over its response to a November 2024 building takeover and encampment. The college allowed the encampment for a week and ultimately met two major demands from organizers.
These letters indicate a call for accountability regarding these incidents and the schools’ responses.
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