(WASHINGTON) — A new White House executive order titled “Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism,” seeks recommendations for new forms of surveillance of international students and staff on college campuses, which PEN America today called a move “reminiscent of McCarthyism” that will do little to combat bigotry, and only worsen “fear and mistrust.”
While the stated goal of this executive order is combating antisemitism, it directs federal agencies to develop recommendations for higher education institutions to “monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff.” According to the order, this information will be used to investigate and, if warranted, take “actions to remove such aliens,” from the United States. While the order does not alter existing grounds to admit non-U.S. citizens to the country, the requirement that colleges and universities “monitor” international students and staff would be new.
This week’s order also reaffirms an order from the first Trump administration, which committed to considering a particular definition of antisemitism (the “IHRA” definition) in assessing civil rights complaints. The formal adoption of this definition has been criticized for equating criticism of the state of Israel as forms of antisemitism. Without consideration of context, this can become a tool to penalize individuals for political speech.
Kristen Shahverdian, program director for Campus Free Speech, said: “This executive order is reminiscent of McCarthyism. It is undeniable that there has been a surge of antisemitic incidents on campuses since October 7, 2023. It is also crucial that campus administrators combat antisemitism as well as other forms of identity-based hate and discrimination. However, while the stated goal of this executive order is combating antisemitism, instead it significantly risks creating an authoritarian-like army of informers who will be empowered to target international students, faculty, and staff for their views, with the threat of deportation looming. This order will do little to further dialogue and understanding on campus, or combat bigotry. Rather, it will further worsen a climate of fear and mistrust.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected]