In viewing videos of anti-Israel mobs harassing, intimidating, and even assaulting Jewish students on campuses nationwide, it may be easy to dismiss these institutions of higher education as irredeemable. While the thought of ignoring schools like Columbia, Harvard, and Yale may be appealing, we still rely on them to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success. Allowing the anti-Israel sentiment to take over and ruin higher education is not an option.
In order to combat the antisemitic atmosphere that has permeated college campuses, it is important to approach the situation intelligently. Simply giving the Department of Education more power to enforce vague speech codes, as seen with the passing of the Antisemitism Awareness Act by the House of Representatives, is not the solution.
Reclaiming college campuses starts with installing the right leadership. Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) successfully brought former Senator Ben Sasse to lead the University of Florida, sending a strong message that lawbreaking would not be tolerated. By swiftly and clearly addressing prohibited activities, the University of Florida has avoided the violence and chaos seen at other institutions.
States should consider defunding diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, and limiting their responsibilities to ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. Colleges should not be promoting anti-American or antisemitic ideologies through mandatory training sessions or diversity statements for job applicants.
Foreign influence on college campuses should also be monitored, with institutions being forced to choose between federal funding and foreign money. Foreign students on visas should understand that breaking the law will result in expulsion and deportation.
No student should feel unsafe due to harassment or violence on campus. State governments must address the moral decay present in their flagship educational institutions and work towards reclaiming them. Now is the time to take action.
