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U.S. House passes bill to penalize universities boycotting Israel
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act' in a 237-169 vote. The legislation aims to penalize universities that engage in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel or its institutions, including those in the West Bank, by withholding federal funding.
If the bill passes the Senate and is signed into law, academic institutions will be required to submit annual certifications ensuring they allow cooperation with Israeli universities and do not obstruct academic engagement. Supporters, including Republican Representative Virginia Foxx and Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer, argue the measure protects Jewish students from discrimination and counters the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Critics and many Democrats argue the bill violates the First Amendment and threatens constitutionally protected free speech. Representative Jerrold Nadler, while opposing the BDS movement, voted against the bill to protect expression rights. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee also expressed concerns that the mandate could compel universities to forge relationships with institutions in occupied territories.
Entities
Israel · Jerrold Nadler · Josh Gottheimer · U.S. House of Representatives · Virginia Foxx
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 11 SOURCES] The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act'. www.al-monitor.com · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · responsiblestatecraft.org · haitigazette.com · wtxnews.com · +6 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Democrats on the House Education and Workforce Committee argued the bill threatens constitutionally protected speech. responsiblestatecraft.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] Representative Jerrold Nadler voted against the bill to protect the right to free expression, despite opposing the BDS movement. www.al-monitor.com · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · www.jns.org
- [● 5 SOURCES] Universities would be required to submit annual certifications regarding access to academic programs in Israel. responsiblestatecraft.org · haitigazette.com · wtxnews.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.epochtimes.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] The House passed the bill with a vote of 237 to 169. www.al-monitor.com · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · responsiblestatecraft.org · haitigazette.com · wtxnews.com · +6 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The act would bar universities receiving federal funds from engaging in nonexpressive commercial boycotts of Israel. responsiblestatecraft.org · www.epochtimes.com · freerepublic.com