Advocates decry US House vote to defund universities that boycott Israel

What the report says

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that would penalise universities for boycotting Israel or Israeli academic institutions, including schools in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The bill cleared the chamber in a 237-169 vote, with 33 Democrats joining most Republicans and two Republicans voting no. It still must pass the Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump before becoming law.

Under the proposal, universities that refuse cooperation with entities licensed or organised under Israeli law could lose federal funding, a consequence critics say would be severe enough to disrupt operations and student aid. The measure would also require annual certification that institutions permit cooperation with Israeli universities. Opponents argue that this could effectively pressure schools to maintain ties with institutions in Israeli settlements, which the International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 were established and maintained in violation of international law.

Rights advocates and advocacy groups, including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and CAIR, said the bill threatens free expression by punishing boycott activity, which they describe as protected political speech. Supporters, including House Education and Workforce Committee chair Tim Walberg, argued the bill is aimed at preventing discrimination against Israeli students, faculty and institutions through taxpayer-funded programs.

The vote comes amid growing public criticism of the Israeli government in the US and continuing congressional support for pro-Israel measures. Al Jazeera reported that the bill is part of a broader effort by US lawmakers to curb the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which has long drawn political and legal challenges in the United States.