UC Berkeley, CUNY, Georgetown Testify on Antisemitism

Leaders from UC Berkeley, CUNY, and Georgetown University testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce during a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism, following pro-Palestinian protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Republican lawmakers criticized universities for inadequate responses to antisemitism and cited diversity initiatives, foreign funding, and campus activities as contributing factors, while Democrats contended the hearings were politically motivated. UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons condemned antisemitism, introduced mandatory antisemitism training, and clarified the distinction between pro-Palestinian speech and antisemitism. CUNY and Georgetown leaders also addressed antisemitism definitions and campus safety, facing questions about disciplinary measures. Jewish faculty at UC Berkeley publicly supported Chancellor Lyons and rejected claims that the campus is unsafe for Jews. The hearing occurred amid ongoing federal funding threats and heightened tensions over free speech and academic independence.