They are failing.
As incidents of antisemitism surge across college campuses, concerns from Jewish leaders and bipartisan lawmakers have emerged, accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of adopting a lenient approach towards enforcing civil rights laws. This lax approach, they argue, exposes Jewish students to ongoing harassment.
Critics point to a growing number of complaints lodged with the Education Department, many of which remain unresolved, resulting in a backlog that diminishes pressure on school administrators to address the needs of Jewish students amidst heightened tensions over conflicts abroad.
Representative Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, penned a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressing concerns about the pace of investigations and inadequate resource allocation for addressing antisemitism on campuses. Gottheimer specifically referenced Columbia University, highlighting a surge in antisemitic incidents that have fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students.
Despite the turmoil gripping college campuses, the situation presents a complex challenge for President Biden as he seeks to rebuild his voting coalition from the 2020 presidential election. While some students protesting conflicts like the war in Gaza express dissatisfaction with Biden’s perceived inaction, others criticize the administration for not taking stronger measures to combat antisemitic harassment.
The landscape is further complicated by the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community itself. Many Jewish Americans, irrespective of their stance on Israel’s actions, have joined in calls for a cease-fire and an end to U.S. military support to Israel. At Columbia University, for instance, a Jewish student participated in protests, reflecting the varied perspectives within the community.
Navigating this volatile environment presents challenges for Biden, with any stance he takes likely to draw criticism from different quarters. Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, suggested that electoral concerns may influence the administration’s approach, particularly in swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
However, Herbie Ziskend, White House deputy communications director, emphasized that electoral considerations do not dictate the president’s decisions, emphasizing a commitment to addressing the issue of antisemitism regardless of political implications.
The outbreak of hostilities in Israel and subsequent events catalyzed a surge in antisemitic incidents nationwide, including on college campuses. The Education Department’s civil rights office saw a significant uptick in investigations into discrimination against ethno-religious groups, prompting concerns about the delay in resolving these cases amidst the urgency of the situation.
Representative Gottheimer stressed the need for swift action in response to the proliferation of attacks and threats against Jewish and pro-Israel students, highlighting the pressing nature of the issue.
