US House passes bill to crack down on university boycotts of Israel

The US House of Representatives has approved a Republican-backed bill, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, which would penalize universities receiving federal funds for participating in boycotts of Israel or attempting to prevent students from engaging in exchange programs with the country. The bill passed by a 237-169 vote, with 33 Democrats joining Republicans in support, and only two Republicans dissenting.

It now advances to the Senate for further deliberation. This legislation aims to prevent colleges and universities from discriminating against Israel, Israeli institutions, or Israeli students, ensuring that federal taxpayer dollars do not fund entities engaged in such discrimination. House Republican leaders introduced the bill to capitalize on divisions among Democrats over contentious issues as the midterm elections approach, determining control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump's term.

The bill mandates that educational institutions receiving federal funds for international study and foreign language programs certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on students participating in programs in Israel or Israeli students participating in programs on their campuses. While Republican supporters assert the bill is necessary to combat antisemitism and ensure academic freedom, Democrats criticize it as unnecessary and potentially conflicting with first amendment protections of protest.

They argue that no college or university has endorsed the BDS movement and that the bill risks punishing protected speech. Democrats who backed the bill often face contentious re-election races and are supporters of Israel. The measure aims to prevent universities from participating in boycotts or restrictions against Israel and Israeli students, emphasizing that no student or professor should be excluded from research, study abroad opportunities, or academic partnerships due to their origin or religious beliefs.