Anti-Israel protesters who commit illegal acts could be sent to Gaza under new bill

Publish date: 2024-05-09

WASHINGTON (TND) — A new House bill introduced Wednesday would require anti-Israel protesters convicted of illegal activity on college campuses to go to the Gaza Strip and participate in community service for a minimum of six months.

The bill, dubbed the "Antisemitism Community Service Act," would mandate any individual found guilty of "unlawful activity" on a college campus since October 7, 2023 be "assigned" to conduct community service in Gaza for a period of time "not fewer than six months."

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced the bill alongside Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas. Both congressman have been highly critical of anti-American sentiment brewing within anti-Israel demonstrations at colleges and universities recently.

I am going to bet that these pro-Hamas supporters wouldn’t last a day, but let’s give them the opportunity," Rep. Weber said of the bill Wednesday.

Even if the proposal is approved by the House, it is unlikely to make it through the Democrat-controlled Senate.

A separate bill introduced by Rep. Ogles Wednesday would crack down on non-citizen agitators found guilty of violating the law during campus protests. Under the bill, the State Department would be required to revoke the visas of anyone arrested while participating in an encampment demonstration.

READ MORE | Public school leaders grilled on Capitol Hill over antisemitic incidents in grade schools

The legislation specifically applies to student visas and work-study exchange visas. Other lawmakers, including Rep. Elise Stefanik-R-N.Y., have previously expressed support for stripping visas from anti-Israel protesters that violate the rules of their universities.

I demand that you enforce existing law to revoke the visas and deport students here on visas who are suspended for their antisemitic actions," Rep. Stefanik wrote in a letter to President Biden on April 23.

Several colleges and universities have recently made the decision to clear anti-Israel encampments and demonstrations on their campuses. Columbia University partnered with the New York City Police Department last week to restore order after student agitators broke into a university library.

George Washington University made a similar move early Wednesday morning after nearly two weeks of an anti-Israel encampment, which featured calls for beheadings and led several Jewish students to fear for their safety.

The tone has been markedly different on southern university campuses. The University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill all saw strong counter protests defy anti-Israel demonstrators last week.

Got a story idea or news tip? Reach out to Julian Baron on X or via email at jtbaron@sbgtv.com.

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