Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced today that the Senate Education Committee will convene a public hearing about the impact of rising antisemitism on Pennsylvania college campuses. The hearing will be held in the State Capitol on Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building.

"It has been deeply troubling to witness the antisemitic protests at many college and university campuses here in Pennsylvania and across the country after the terrorist attacks on Oct. 7," said Argall. "The committee will hear directly from those affected to determine if further action should be taken to protect our students."

Testifiers planned for the hearing include students, college administrators, and other stakeholders.

On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters demanded that colleges divest from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government.

In response, Argall voted in favor of Senate Bill 1260 when it was approved by a strongly bipartisan vote of 41-7 by the Senate last week. This legislation would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel. It would also prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger