South Central PA News

State Senator Doug Mastriano is introducing legislation to end state taxpayer support for colleges or universities that enable antisemitism. The bill would cut state funding for one year for any higher education institutions that participate in or otherwise support antisemitism. The move comes in response to a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents following the attack by Hamas against Israel and recent reports of antisemitism on college campuses in Pennsylvania.

Mastriano's bill aims to address the concerning rise of antisemitism on college campuses. He stated, "State tax dollars should not be in effect subsidizing colleges and universities that enable antisemitic behavior." The legislation would target any Pennsylvania college or university that authorizes, facilitates, or supports an event promoting antisemitism on campus.

The need for this legislation is underscored by recent high-profile incidents on Pennsylvania university campuses. At the University of Pennsylvania, pro-Hamas activists vandalized buildings and private businesses with antisemitic messages. A rally on the same campus featured a speech by a student who spoke glowingly about the attack by Hamas. The university also hosted a literature festival organized by individuals who have expressed hateful views towards Israel and Zionism.

Another Pennsylvania campus drawing attention is Temple University, where Students for Justice in Palestine organized a collective walkout attended by students and faculty. Participants chanted phrases calling for the annihilation of the state of Israel and its Jewish inhabitants.

Senator Mastriano emphasized the urgency of addressing the vitriol being spread on college campuses, stating, "When colleges and universities are providing a platform for extremists to intimidate Jewish students and faculty on campus, it’s time to cut off state funding for these kinds of antisemitic activities."

To define antisemitism in the legislation, Mastriano proposes using the language adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, an organization dedicated to education, research, and remembrance about the Jewish Holocaust.

Mastriano is currently sharing the bill concept with his Senate colleagues and seeking co-sponsors. Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about the bill and Mastriano's work by visiting his website or following him on Facebook.

This legislation aims to address the concerning rise of antisemitism on college campuses in Pennsylvania. By cutting state funding to colleges and universities that enable or support antisemitic activities, Senator Mastriano hopes to send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Click this link to access more information: https://senatormastriano.com/2023/12/05/mastriano-bill-would-end-state-funding-for-colleges-universities-supporting-antisemitism/