Senator Steve Daines, US Senator for Montana | Steve Daines Official Website
Senator Steve Daines, US Senator for Montana | Steve Daines Official Website
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U.S. Senator Steve Daines strongly condemned the rise of antisemitism on college campuses and called for the defunding of universities allowing violence against Jewish students. Speaking at the weekly Republican Senate Leadership press conference, Daines addressed the concerning trend of antisemitic behavior targeting Jewish individuals in academic settings.
"The outbreak of antisemitism on college campuses across America right now at this moment is reprehensible. This kind of hate has no place in America," stated Senator Daines, highlighting the severity of the issue. He pointed out the hypocrisy of universities promoting diversity and inclusion while excluding Jewish students and professors, emphasizing the need to address this contradiction.
Daines stressed that while the First Amendment protects speech, it does not extend to threatening or intimidating Jewish students, nor does it justify the violence witnessed on campuses. He raised questions about the funding of universities, particularly those where antisemitic incidents have occurred, urging for accountability.
"Why are the tax dollars of freedom-loving Americans funding these universities?" questioned Senator Daines, drawing attention to specific institutions receiving substantial federal funding. He cited examples such as Columbia, UCLA, and GW, where he highlighted instances of anti-Israel sentiment and acts of violence against Jewish students.
In a direct call to action, Daines called on President Biden and Senate Democrats to unite in condemning violent protests and to take steps to defund universities that fail to address antisemitic behavior. "Join me, join my Republican colleagues in condemning these violent protests, and defund the universities that refuse to crack down," urged Senator Daines, emphasizing the need for collective action in combating hate and intolerance on college campuses.