WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have taken action against Rutgers University for its alleged support of antisemitic violence. The senators have sent investigatory letters regarding the source of financial support for the Rutgers University Center for Security, Race and Rights, which sponsors events featuring speakers who promote violence against Israel, support convicted terrorists, and advocate for radicalism.
The letters, addressed to the President of Rutgers University and the Chair of its Board of Governors, express concern over the university's support of the Center and seek information regarding the funding sources, including whether U.S. taxpayer dollars are involved and the role of foreign governments in supporting the Center's activities.
In one of the letters, the Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members highlight their commitment to combating terrorism and supporting its victims, citing the passage of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016. They emphasize the need to evaluate the financial backing of groups that seek to legitimize violence and provide platforms for terrorist sympathizers.
Additionally, the senators sent a second letter to New York City law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, which has reportedly donated at least $13,000 to the Rutgers Center's Law Fellows Program over the past three years. The program includes a "one-on-one mentorship" with Professor Sahar Aziz, the Center's Director, who has been accused of espousing antisemitic propaganda.
Sen. Cruz and Sen. Graham were joined by several other Republican senators, including Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) in sending both letters.
This recent action by Sen. Cruz and his colleagues is part of his ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses. In December 2023, Sen. Cruz questioned Biden judicial nominee Adeel Mangi, who had served as an advisory board member of the Rutgers Center for Security, Race and Rights, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Sen. Cruz grilled Mangi about the Center's embrace of antisemitic extremism and its director's derogatory statements about Israel. Mangi refused to denounce these statements.
In October 2023, Sen. Cruz and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) sent a letter to Harvard University President Claudine Gay, demanding that the university condemn the antisemitic statements made by student organizations.
The investigation into Rutgers University's support for the Center for Security, Race and Rights is another step in Sen. Cruz's ongoing fight against antisemitism and his commitment to ensuring that institutions of higher education promote tolerance and respect for all individuals.