New bill proposes sending anti-Israel protesters convicted of illegal acts to Gaza
- In Reports
- 02:25 PM, May 10, 2024
- Myind Staff
A new House bill was introduced, proposing that anti-Israel protesters found guilty of illegal activities on college campuses would be mandated to engage in community service in the Gaza Strip for a minimum of six months.
The proposed legislation, known as the "Antisemitism Community Service Act," would require individuals convicted of "unlawful activity" on college campuses since October 7, 2023, to undertake community service in Gaza for a minimum of six months.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., in collaboration with Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas. Both lawmakers have expressed strong concerns regarding the rise of anti-American sentiment observed in recent anti-Israel demonstrations at colleges and universities.
Even if the proposal gains approval from the House, its passage through the Democrat-controlled Senate is deemed unlikely. Another bill presented by Rep. Ogles aims to address non-citizen agitators convicted of breaking the law during campus protests. The bill mandates the State Department to revoke the visas of individuals arrested while taking part in such demonstrations.
The legislation targets student visas and work-study exchange visas in particular. Previous endorsements for revoking visas from anti-Israel protesters who breach their university regulations have been voiced by other lawmakers, including Rep. Elise Stefanik-R-N.Y.
Several colleges and universities have recently taken action to dismantle anti-Israel encampments and demonstrations on their campuses. Last week, Columbia University collaborated with the New York City Police Department to restore order after student agitators unlawfully entered a university library.
Similarly, George Washington University took action early Wednesday morning to disband an anti-Israel encampment that had persisted for nearly two weeks. The encampment included calls for violence, such as beheadings, causing several Jewish students to express concerns for their safety.
In contrast, the atmosphere on southern university campuses has been notably different. The University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill witnessed robust counter protests challenging anti-Israel demonstrators last week.
Image source: NBC15 News
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