(NewsNation) — Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., chair of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, called for holding accountable those responsible for the rise of antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools across America.
Ahead of a hearing Wednesday titled “Confronting Pervasive Antisemitism in K-12 Schools,” Bean told NewsNation’s “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Tuesday that he plans to ask leaders of large school districts like New York City, Berkeley and Montgomery County, Maryland, “What’s going on? And are you holding anybody accountable?”
Bean said he was shocked at reports from parents and faculty of threats against Jewish students and chants like “kill the Jews” occurring even in high schools, though on a “smaller level than what we’ve seen in college(s).”
“It’s tough enough being a kid in middle and high school, but to have to worry about being bullied for your religion — it’s got no place in America,” he said. “And so let’s go ahead and nip it in the bud early.”
Since April 17, from coast to coast, university campus protesters have put up tents to protest Israel’s military action in Gaza and demand schools divest from companies they claim “profit from Israeli apartheid.” Some Jewish students say the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.
The congressman drew a contrast with colleges’ struggles against what he called “antisemitic” protests, criticizing their perceived inaction. He questioned whether students were expelled or sent home for offensive conduct.
“We need to look at actions. Anybody can talk a good game … the video tells a different story. … They haven’t held anybody accountable,” Bean said.
President Joe Biden on Tuesday urged Americans to “never forget” the Holocaust in a speech marking its remembrance day. But Bean said the president could “get an ice cream cone for denouncing the antisemitism,” and he asked, “Where is your Department of Justice? Let’s hold people accountable.”
The Biden administration also announced several new actions to counter antisemitism in the United States on Tuesday.
The latest FBI data shows 1 in 9 hate crimes in the U.S. is antisemitic. The Department of Education has over 100 open investigations into discrimination claims, including antisemitism.