Staten Island Reporter

Today, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) applauded the passage of her legislation, the University Accountability Act, out of the House Committee on Ways and Means, setting it up for consideration by the entire House. The legislation would fine tax-exempt schools that violate students' civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act amidst concerns over antisemitic incidents on campuses.

"Universities have a responsibility to protect their students from violence and discrimination and instead we're seeing a disturbing increase in antisemitic attacks and rhetoric on college campuses," Malliotakis said. "I'm pleased to see the Ways and Means Committee advance our commonsense legislation as it is a crucial step toward holding universities that violate civil rights accountable and fostering a safer academic environment for all students, regardless of their gender, race or religion."

Under current federal law, violations of Title VI can result in the loss of federal funds but often lead only to corrective actions. The University Accountability Act would impose fines on tax-exempt colleges and universities that meet penalty criteria: either five percent of the school's aggregate administrative compensation as reported on Form 990 or $100,000, whichever is greater. After three civil rights violations, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would review the institution's tax-exempt status for possible revocation.

If enacted, Columbia University could face fines of approximately $1 million per violation due to its history with anti-Israel protests and antisemitic attacks against Jewish individuals.

"The horrific October 7th attacks on Israel triggered a stress test on our nation’s higher education system that unfortunately too many so-called 'elite' universities failed," said Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means. "After decades of lavishing generous tax benefits on what are supposed to be prestigious universities, the American people now realize that many of these institutions have been transformed into incubators for extremism, hatred, and harassment. If Congress fails to act and ensure these schools are fulfilling their educational purpose, students will continue to face more antisemitic violence and threats. The University Accountability Act will financially penalize schools that fail to protect Jewish students and have a civil judgment entered against them for violating a student’s civil rights. I want to thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for introducing this legislation."

Following a November Ways and Means Committee hearing regarding antisemitism on college campuses, Malliotakis introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at holding universities accountable. These include the Combatting Antisemitism Messaging & Promoting Unity in School (CAMPUS) Act, which would prohibit federal funding for schools supporting organizations or faculty members engaging in antisemitic behavior; and the No Visas for Antisemitic Students Act, which would revoke visas for foreign students involved in such activities.

Malliotakis is a member of the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group and has supported multiple legislative efforts to provide military assistance to Israel, apply pressure on Iran, combat rising campus antisemitism, and secure federal security grants for local Jewish communities. In April, she joined House Speaker Mike Johnson at Columbia University to discuss campus antisemitism with Jewish students.