While tensions in the Middle East rage, concerns are still mounting over antisemitism at U.S. universities. On Capitol Hill Thursday, collegiate leaders faced questions from House lawmakers on the issue, addressing the challenge between balancing free speech and keeping students safe.
The hearing, which was dubbed “Calling for Accountability: Stopping Antisemitic College Chaos”, included several university presidents who dealt with violent protests, including UCLA Chancellor Gene Block.
“I’m fully aware that many of our Jewish students have had to confront rhetoric and images on campus that any reasonable person would find repugnant. Trust me, I understand their pain. I’ve lived it myself as a Jewish kid growing up in the Catskill region of New York with relatives who were Holocaust survivors,” Block said.
On April 25th, anti-Israel protests sprang up on the UCLA campus resulting in an encampment that grew to more than 500 people. Block admits it took too long to address the violence.
“But when more than 200 protestors refused police orders, law enforcement removed the encampment that night. With the benefit of hindsight, we should have been prepared to immediately remove the encampment if and when the safety of our community was put at risk. We have since
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