Conservative Students Testify Before Congress On Leftist Harassment At Universities Across U.S.
Conservative and Jewish College Students Testify Before Congress on Campus Silencing
A group of conservative and Jewish college students appeared before Congress on Wednesday to share their experiences of being silenced and threatened on campuses across the country. The hearing, held by the House Judiciary Committee, focused on free speech and anti-Semitism. Among the witnesses were current and former college students, including members of the conservative group Young Americans for Freedom (YAF). However, the hearing was repeatedly interrupted by anti-Israel activists before they were escorted out of the room.
Freedom of Speech Unequal for Conservatives, Says Witness
Jasmyn Jordan, a University of Iowa student and chairwoman of the Iowa YAF chapter, testified that freedom of speech is not equal for conservatives and liberals on college campuses. She recounted an incident where she was doxxed and falsely labeled as a Nazi, a token, a white supremacist, and a bigot after hosting Kellyanne Conway as a speaker. Jordan, who is black, expressed that some students even feared she might commit a hate crime against them simply because she holds conservative principles. She emphasized that these beliefs about conservatives are untrue.
Jordan also shared an incident where her group invited Daily Wire host Matt Walsh to speak on campus, but students and faculty attempted to cancel the event because they found Walsh’s speech offensive. Attendees were spat on, marbles were spilled on the floor to prevent people from attending, and a band played loud music outside to drown out Walsh’s speech. Despite meeting with the university administration, Jordan stated that left-leaning students are continually allowed to break the rules and are coddled by the school.
WATCH: Jasmyn Jordan details her experience at the University of Iowa where her and fellow classmates have been harassed, spat on, and even sent death threats for their personal views and beliefs. pic.twitter.com/QHXwXXqydW
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) November 8, 2023
Threats and Harassment Faced by Conservative Students
Connor Ogrydziak, another witness and member of YAF, testified about the threats and harassment his chapter faced from radical leftists. After hosting Michael Knowles for an event, the University of Buffalo’s student senate voted to no longer recognize the YAF chapter as a student organization. Ogrydziak emphasized that regardless of political beliefs, no student should be mistreated or silenced on campus. He shared incidents where YAF members were chased across campus and one board member was physically attacked after hosting former Republican Congressman Lt. Col. Allen West.
Ogrydziak expressed concern about the lack of consequences for those involved in the mob-like behavior, questioning the precedent it sets for future protests on campus. He urged for accountability to prevent a pattern of such behavior from being repeated.
“It should be common ground that no student deserves to be threatened, mistreated, or silenced on campus due to their personal beliefs.”
Connor Ogrydziak outlines the censorship he and other conservatives experienced at the University of Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/YyTOeeKL3Y
— House Judiciary GOP 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryGOP) November 8, 2023
How did the witnesses at the hearing propose addressing the issues of campus silencing and anti-Semitism on college campuses
Ersity of Iowa and the challenges she faced as a conservative student. #CampusSilencing pic.twitter.com/8tJenidhgC
— House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) May 22, 2019
In response to Jordan’s testimony, Representative Jim Jordan from Ohio, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, expressed his concern over the lack of free speech for conservative students. He highlighted the importance of allowing diverse viewpoints to be heard on college campuses, but acknowledged that there seems to be a bias against conservative beliefs. Representative Jordan vowed to address this issue and protect the First Amendment rights of all students.
Anti-Semitism and Threats against Jewish Students
Jason Hill, a professor at DePaul University, also spoke at the hearing about the rise of anti-Semitism he has witnessed on college campuses. He stated that Israel has been singled out and demonized, often resulting in hostile environments for Jewish students. Hill emphasized that universities must do more to protect Jewish students from discrimination and threats, and called for a stronger response from academic institutions.
Hill recounted an incident where a Jewish student at the University of California, Berkeley, was asked by his professor during a lecture why he supported an apartheid state. He described how this not only undermines the student’s right to free speech and expression, but also creates an atmosphere of fear and isolation for Jewish students.
In addition, Molly Wine, a former student at the University of California, Los Angeles, testified about the harassment and threats she faced as a Jewish student. She described instances of being called a “racist” and “Nazi sympathizer” simply for expressing her support for Israel. Wine emphasized the need for universities to address this issue seriously and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and freedom of Jewish students on campus.
Continued Interruptions and Disruptions
Throughout the hearing, anti-Israel activists repeatedly disrupted the proceedings, causing multiple delays. They shouted slogans and held signs, expressing their opposition to the testimony of the conservative and Jewish students. These disruptions prompted intervention from security personnel, who escorted the protesters out of the room. Despite the disruptions, the witnesses continued to share their stories and advocate for greater protection of free speech and against anti-Semitism on college campuses.
Calls for Action
The hearing concluded with members of the Judiciary Committee expressing their support for the witnesses and vowing to address the issues of campus silencing and anti-Semitism on college campuses. They emphasized the importance of protecting all students’ rights to free speech and expression, regardless of their political beliefs or religious background.
In a time when universities are meant to be platforms for intellectual diversity and open discussion, it is concerning to see conservative and Jewish students facing silencing and threats on campuses. It is crucial for academic institutions to create an inclusive environment where all perspectives can be voiced without fear of retribution or discrimination. Actions must be taken to address these issues and protect the rights and safety of all students.
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