US House Passes Bill Against University Boycotts of Israel
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 237-169 to approve a bill that penalizes universities engaging in boycotts of Israel. The legislation specifically targets institutions that participate in academic boycotts related to Israeli entities and requires compliance for continued federal funding.
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The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill with a 237-169 vote to penalize universities that boycott Israel or its academic institutions, including those in the occupied West Bank, with 33 Democrats voting in favor and two Republicans opposing. The legislation, which is perceived as a potential infringement on free speech rights under the First Amendment, would require universities to certify cooperation with Israeli universities to receive federal funding, impacting their operations significantly. The timing of the bill comes amid declining public support for Israel, as evidenced by a July Pew Research Center survey indicating that 62% of Americans hold an unfavorable view of the Israeli government.
The US House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act with a vote of 237-169, which penalizes universities that participate in boycotts of Israel and requires those receiving federal funding to certify they do not impose restrictions on student programs involving Israel. Thirty-three Democrats voted in favor of the bill, while only two Republicans opposed it; the measure now moves to the Senate for consideration. Critics, including Democrat Bobby Scott, argue that the bill is unnecessary and could conflict with First Amendment protections, while supporters contend it is necessary to combat antisemitism in academic institutions.