A Republican congresswoman and Democratic lawmaker joined forces to establish a new congressional caucus aimed at confronting antisemitism at American colleges and universities, marking a bipartisan response to harassment Jewish students have faced since the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.

New Caucus Takes Aim at University Responses

Representatives Elise Stefanik of New York and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey announced the creation of the Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses Caucus. The coalition will coordinate congressional oversight of how institutions of higher education respond to antisemitic incidents on their campuses. The caucus plans to pressure universities to enforce existing anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies that protect Jewish students, faculty, and staff from targeted abuse.

The bipartisan group will advance federal legislation targeting campus antisemitism and discrimination driven by Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movements against Israel. Additionally, the caucus intends to spotlight schools implementing effective protective measures and share best practices across the nation’s college system. Both lawmakers issued press releases detailing the caucus’s mission and objectives for holding educational institutions accountable.

Lawmakers Unite Across Party Lines

Gottheimer, a Jewish Democrat, emphasized the urgent need for action. He stated that since October 7th, Jewish students on numerous campuses have endured harassment and intimidation, made to feel unwelcome at their own schools. The New Jersey congressman specifically praised Vanderbilt University as an example of an institution handling the issue correctly. He committed to ensuring every Jewish student can experience college life without fear of discrimination or violence.

Stefanik, a Catholic Republican who authored the book on campus issues titled Poisoned Ivies, positioned herself as Congress’s leading voice on combating antisemitism and anti-Americanism at colleges and universities. The New York representative recognized Gottheimer as a critical legislative partner on this issue. Both lawmakers expressed their shared commitment to preserving American higher education for future generations of students.

Context Behind the Coalition

The caucus formation comes amid growing concerns about campus environments for Jewish students following the 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Reports of harassment, intimidation, and hostile campus climates have prompted calls for stronger institutional responses. The bipartisan nature of the initiative demonstrates how concerns about religious discrimination and student safety transcend traditional party divisions. The caucus represents a congressional mechanism to apply federal pressure on universities that have faced criticism for inadequate responses to antisemitic incidents, while also recognizing schools that have successfully maintained safe learning environments for all students regardless of religious background.