The US House of Representatives approved the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, a Republican-backed bill that penalizes universities boycotting Israel or restricting student exchange programs. The legislation passed with a 237-169 vote and now moves to the Senate.
The bill's passage reflects a growing political focus on campus protests and potential antisemitism, with implications for academic freedom and institutional funding.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act" on Thursday, a Republican-backed bill aimed at penalizing universities that boycott Israel or restrict student exchange programs. The legislation, which requires Senate approval to become law, passed with a 237-169 vote. The bill mandates that universities receiving federal student aid must not engage in boycotts of Israel. Additionally, institutions with federal funding for international study must certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on students participating in programs in Israel or on Israeli students participating in programs on their campuses. The vote occurred amid growing criticism of the Israeli government's actions in the war in Gaza, which has sparked protests and boycott calls at U.S. campuses. While the bill's sponsors stated it is not intended to hinder academic speech but to prevent targeting of Israel and Judaism, some Democrats expressed concerns. Representative Jerrold Nadler opposed the bill, citing the protection of free expression, while Representative Josh Gottheimer argued it is narrowly tailored and essential for combating antisemitism.
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