Rep. Randy Fine Questions University Chancellors on Handling of Antisemitism

Congressional Hearing on Campus Antisemitism

• 🎯 Rep. Randy Fine expressed strong criticism of the testimony from university leaders, labeling it "disgusting, dishonest, and gaslighting."
• ⚠️ He highlighted statements from faculty members that appeared to condone violence and support resistance, questioning the universities' commitment to protecting Jewish students.

CUNY and John Jay College

• 🗣️ Fine questioned Dr. Rodriguez of CUNY about Professor Emanuel Nes, who allegedly supported "resistance by any means necessary." Nes still works at the school.
• 🏫 Regarding Karina Mullen of John J. College, Fine noted her controversial statements after October 7th, but was informed she is no longer teaching at the university.

UC Berkeley and Palestinian Studies

• 🎓 Fine challenged UC Berkeley Chancellor Dr. Rich Lyons on the hiring of Usama McDezi as the inaugural chair of Palestinian Arab studies.
• 💥 McDezi's past statements, including describing the October 7th Hamas attack as "resistance" and suggesting he could have participated, were highlighted as justification for questioning his position.
• 🏛️ Lyons defended the hiring, stating McDezi was awarded the position based on academic standards by his colleagues.

Georgetown University and Qatar Campus

• ❓ Fine inquired about an event at Georgetown's Qatar campus titled "Decolonization is not just a theory," which featured an exhibition of armed resistance in solidarity with Palestine.
• 🤷 The Georgetown interim president stated he had no knowledge of the exhibition, characterizing it as a student-led event.

Safety Concerns for Jewish Students

• 💔 Fine concluded by asking the chancellors how they could assure his Jewish son of his safety on their campuses, expressing that Jewish students do not feel safe.
• 😔 He stated that the university leaders should be ashamed of the current situation.