Topline
A GOP-led House committee opened an investigation Thursday into Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, days after lawmakers intensely questioned all three schools’ presidents about tense campus protests during the Israel-Hamas war.
Key Facts
The House Committee on Education & the Workforce announced the probe in a press release on Thursday, saying the committee will investigate the “learning environments” and the policies and disciplinary procedures at the three schools.
The probe comes two days after schools’ presidents testified in a fiery congressional hearing on antisemitism on college campuses in the wake of Israel’s war with Hamas, and as university officials come under fire from lawmakers, university board members and major donors over their handling of largely pro-Palestinian protests.
Committee chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) said in a statement Thursday afternoon members of the committee “have deep concerns” with the three presidents’ “leadership and their failure to take steps to provide Jewish students the safe learning environment they are due under law.”
The investigation’s scope is unclear, but Foxx said the investigation will involve “substantial document requests,” and lawmakers could subpoena the schools.
Harvard President Claudine Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and Penn President Liz Magill did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.
Crucial Quote
“The disgusting targeting and harassment of Jewish students is not limited to these institutions, and other universities should expect investigations as well, as their litany of similar failures has not gone unnoticed,” Foxx said in her statement.
Further Reading
Harvard President Admits Spike In Campus Antisemitism At House Hearing (Forbes)
Harvard Faces Federal Investigation, Joining These Other Universities—Here’s What Led To It (Forbes)