US House Passes Bill Barring Boycotts of Israel by Universities

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the "Economic and Academic Freedom Protection Act," a bill aimed at preventing institutions of higher education that receive federal funding from participating in any form of boycott against Israel. The legislation, H.R. 4795, passed with a vote of 237 in favor and 169 against. The bill, which proposes amendments to U.S. higher education law, garnered support from nearly all Republicans and 33 Democrats, while most Democrats and two Republicans opposed it. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The proposed law defines "expressive commercial boycott" and "academic boycott." If enacted, universities would face three main requirements: they must not terminate or restrict commercial ties with Israel for political reasons, must not impede academic connections with Israel and Israeli institutions, and must adhere to these conditions to maintain access to federal funding. The bill's sponsors, Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Republican Virginia Foxx, stated their initiative is a response to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Gottheimer described the bill as a targeted measure necessary to combat antisemitism, emphasizing that no student or professor should be denied access to research or study abroad due to their origin or religion.

Republican Tim Walberg, Chairman of the House Education Committee, added that taxpayer money should not fund organizations that discriminate against Israeli institutions and citizens. However, opponents of the bill argue it infringes upon universities' political decision-making autonomy, violating the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Critics, including Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler, believe federal funding should not be used as leverage against universities. Nadler, despite his own criticism of the BDS movement, opposed the bill, asserting that the issue must be addressed while protecting freedom of speech.