Bonamici Statement on H.Res. 798

Today I voted for H.Res. 798, a resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses, and condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.   

The rise in antisemitism, hate, racism, and bigotry in our country cannot be tolerated, and the hateful rhetoric we are hearing on a daily basis must end.  

Although I strongly condemn antisemitic acts on college campuses, I’m disappointed that the Republican majority did not bring forward a more inclusive resolution that acknowledges the need to prevent and protect against hostile rhetoric and actions toward other groups of marginalized students on college campuses, including Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim students. I am particularly concerned about the harmful message this resolution may send to any student group that has advocated for their beliefs in a nonviolent, legally permissible manner in alignment with student codes of conduct. All students have the right to peacefully protest, organize with their peers to articulate their views, and access a high-quality education that challenges them to think critically and contribute to democracy. This includes Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, and other students speaking up in support of Palestinian people and voicing their concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.  

All vulnerable communities on college campuses should be protected from threats and harassment, and I call on Speaker Johnson to address these concerns and advance comprehensive legislation that leverages the resources, power, and reach of the federal government to provide support to schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities to implement inclusive policies that combat and root out hateful rhetoric in all its forms.