Staten Island Reporter

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), along with Congresswomen Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Claudia Tenney (NY-24), has put forward the University Accountability Act again. The proposed legislation aims to penalize tax-exempt educational institutions that infringe upon student civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This reintroduction comes amid ongoing scrutiny concerning certain colleges and universities, accused of permitting antisemitic activities on their campuses.

Under existing federal law, violations of Title VI, which bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, can lead to the loss of federal funding. However, often the outcome is merely corrective action to restore compliance. The University Accountability Act would impose a fine on penalized institutions, amounting to either five percent of the institution’s total administrative compensation as reported on Form 990 or $100,000, whichever is greater. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would review the tax-exempt status of a school after three civil rights violations for potential revocation.

Congresswoman Malliotakis stated, "Universities have a responsibility to protect their students from violence and discrimination but, instead, we're seeing a disturbing increase in antisemitic attacks and rhetoric on college campuses." Her aim with the legislation is to hold institutions accountable and encourage them to address antisemitism, thereby creating a safer academic environment for all students.

Congresswoman Stefanik expressed continued commitment to eliminating antisemitism from educational institutions: “I will continue to lead efforts to rid our colleges and universities of antisemitism alongside President Trump who is delivering on his promise to hold these failed institutions accountable for their neglect and abandonment of our Jewish students."

In a similar vein, Congresswoman Tenney remarked on the rise of antisemitic rhetoric and violence post the October 7, 2023 attacks, stating, "The University Accountability Act ensures that any institution condoning this behavior is penalized by revoking its tax-exempt status and imposing harsh financial penalties."

Previously, Congresswoman Malliotakis introduced several initiatives to maintain university accountability, notably the Combating Antisemitic Messaging and Promoting Unity in School Act (CAMPUS) Act and the No Visas for Antisemitic Students Act. Both seek to curtail antisemitism by withholding federal funds from non-compliant schools and revoking visas of foreign students engaged in antisemitic actions.

Malliotakis is a participant in the bipartisan House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group and has consistently supported legislative actions to aid Israel, apply pressure on Iran, combat campus antisemitism, and secure safety grants for the Jewish community.