Capital District Times

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis have reintroduced the University Accountability Act, a move aimed at penalizing educational institutions failing to protect students' civil rights following a rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses. The legislators cite an increase in such incidents post-Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 as the impetus for their action.

“I will continue to lead efforts to rid our colleges and universities of antisemitism alongside President Trump who is delivering on his promise to hold these failed institutions accountable for their neglect and abandonment of our Jewish students. The University Accountability Act will impose penalties on universities who violate the civil rights of their own students and put their undeserved tax-exempt status on the chopping block,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis added, "Universities have a responsibility to protect their students from violence and discrimination but, instead, we're seeing a disturbing increase in antisemitic attacks and rhetoric on college campuses. Our legislation seeks to hold these institutions accountable and encourage them to investigate and crack down on instances of antisemitism to help foster a safer academic environment for all students, regardless of their gender, race or religion."

Currently, under federal law, discrimination prohibited by Title VI can lead to the withdrawal of federal funds. However, most often, it results in a requirement for the institution to undertake corrective action. The proposed legislation aims to alter this approach. It would mandate that offending colleges and universities face a fine amounting to either five percent of their declared administrative compensation or $100,000, whichever is higher. Furthermore, the act stipulates that after three civil rights violations, the IRS must assess the institution's tax-exempt status for possible revocation.