Press Releases

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) sent letters to DePaul University, California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), and Haverford College requesting additional information from the schools’ leaders following their testimony at a Committee hearing examining the threat of antisemitism on our college campuses.  
 
In the letter to DePaul University, Chairman Walberg writes: “For the Committee to conduct oversight of the efficacy of Title VI and the rise of antisemitism on DePaul’s campus, the Committee must understand not only whether there was a hostile environment on DePaul’s campus towards Jewish students but also whether the college adequately responded to incidents that created or contributed to the environment, such as those described during the May 7th hearing and detailed in our April 21, 2025, letter to you. Thus, information pertaining to student and faculty disciplinary actions is crucial for the Committee’s investigation. … In response to a question about the student organization Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), you stated that the organization had been ‘immediately suspended,’ in part, due to its antisemitic May 1, 2025, Instagram post accusing Israel of being ‘just like the Nazis.’ You also stated that the ‘cumulative effect’ of SJP’s actions would be considered during a new hearing and that you would report back to the Committee on any findings. Has the hearing been held? If so, what were the findings?”  Read the full DePaul University letter  here.
 
In the letter to California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo), Chairman Walberg writes: “Just recently, pro-Palestinian activists vandalized a Cal Poly building with slogans including ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Cal Poly Divest.’ While the Committee appreciates your appearance on May 7th to discuss these concerns, the Committee is seeking clarity about your testimony and certain responses to questions posed to you during the hearing. … In your opening statement, you stated that Cal Poly is ‘establishing a new Presidential Antisemitism Task Force that will develop an action plan focused on Jewish student life, antisemitism, education, and cultural awareness.’ What is the process for selecting members of this Task Force? How many members will serve on the Task Force? … Please describe any ‘action plan’ of the Task Force. … In your opening statement, you stated that you are ‘continuing to fundraise to endow a Chair in Jewish Studies and build an interfaith center focused on Jewish student life, antisemitism, education, and cultural awareness.’ When do you anticipate fundraising to be completed and to have a Chair in place?” Read the full California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo) letter here.
 
In the letter to Haverford College, Chairman Walberg writes: “[Y]our appearance on May 7th to discuss these concerns, your lack of transparency about how, if at all, Haverford has responded to antisemitic incidents on its campus was very disappointing. Among other things, despite repeated requests, you failed to share any data, even in the aggregate, on faculty and student disciplinary actions taken in response to antisemitic incidents on your campus. … When asked about the number of students suspended and expelled for antisemitic conduct from October 7, 2023, to the present, you stated, ‘We don’t publicize those numbers, and we use suspension and expelling as normal parts of our disciplinary process,’ and ‘We do not talk about those numbers publicly.’ When did Haverford first adopt this policy or position? Have there been any changes to the policy or position since it was first adopted? If so, what are those changes and when did those changes occur? … After the October 7th Hamas terrorist attacks, Haverford professor Tarik Aougab reposted on X a message stating that, ‘We should never have to apologize for celebrating these scenes of an imprisoned people breaking free from their chains. This was a historic moment to be recorded in their history books.’ When asked about whether Professor Aougab was investigated for this statement, you said, ‘Investigations happen in all such cases.’ Please confirm that Professor Aougab was investigated for his repost.” Read the full Haverford College letter here.

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