WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Ashley Moody today during the Senate Judiciary Hearing: Stemming the Tide of Antisemitism in America raised questions about recovering federal funding provided to universities found to have violated the Civil Rights Act. Federal law currently prohibits federal funding from going to universities found in violation of the Civil Rights Act. However, there is no requirement for recovering the millions of dollars provided to these institutions after they violate the act.
Senator Moody’s exploratory questions come after a meteoric rise in the number of hate crimes against Jewish Americans – especially on college campuses. They also follow several lawsuits against institutions of higher learning alleging Civil Rights Act violations.
During her questioning, Senator Moody applauded Florida universities for taking a strong stand against antisemitism of any kind and ensuring Jewish students are protected and safe from harassment.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “Universities must protect the civil rights of all of their students, not just the ones their administrations agree with politically. It is disheartening that we even have to explore ways to claw back federal funds from schools found in violation, but sadly current prohibitions are not working. Florida is the blueprint for how every state should treat antisemitism and civil rights violations of any kind—stopping it in its tracks. We must ensure that our Jewish students can learn in a safe environment free of the kind of harassment and hate that we have sadly seen rise across college campuses.”
Senator Moody is a strong supporter of Israel and the rights of all students to study in a safe environment free from violence and racism. As Attorney General of Florida, Moody took multiple actions to protect Jewish Floridians, including:
- AG Moody Urges University Police Departments to Enforce the Law and Protect Jewish Students from Hate Crimes and Violence;
- VIDEO: AG Moody, FDLE and FLHSMV Urge Floridians to Report Suspicious; Activity Following Heightened Terrorist Threat Due to Hamas Attacks;
- Attorney General Moody Urges Congress to Defund UN Agency That Employed Terrorists;
- As Colleges and Universities Begin a New Academic Year, AG Moody Advises Higher Education Officials About Legal Protections and Shared Commitment to Jewish Students in Florida;
- Attorney General Moody Calls for Removal of Student Visa Holders Who Provide Support to Terror Groups;
- Attorney General Moody Urges Senate to Pass the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act; and
- Attorney General Moody Leads Multistate Probe into Allegations That MSCI is Embracing Anti-Israel BDS Move;
Before leaving the Attorney General’s Office this year, Moody launched a training to educate Florida law enforcement and investigators about hate crimes and antisemitism on college and university campuses.
View Senator Moody’s remarks here.
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