US House passes bill penalizing universities participating in boycotts against Israeli occupation

WASHINGTON, Sept. 05 (YPA) – The US House of Representatives has passed the “Protection of Economic and Academic Freedom Act” by a vote of 237 to 169, advancing the measure to the Senate for final approval.

Under the bill, colleges and universities receiving federal funding or participating in federal student aid programs would face funding cuts if they participate in boycott campaigns against Israeli occupation, restrict student participation in academic programs within the country, or limit Israeli students’ participation in on-campus programs. Educational institutions would also be required to submit an annual certification confirming compliance.

The vote received support from 33 Democrats, while two Republicans opposed the measure. Tim Walberg, the Republican chair of the House Education Committee, stated that the legislation aims to prevent discrimination against Israeli occupation, its institutions, and its students.

The legislation follows intensified efforts by student and academic groups at several US universities, following the Zionist war on the Gaza Strip, to press for divestment and alignment with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

YPA