Protect Academic Freedom Act

H.R.4009
Introduced: 
February 6, 2014
113
Second
February 6, 2014
Referred to House (sub)committee

In 12/2013, the American Studies Association (ASA) voted to boycott Israeli academic institutions. In response, Israel’s former U.S. ambassador, Michael Oren, called on Congress to target the ASA and any other higher education institution involved in Israel boycott activities. Introduced largely in response to Oren’s call, the bill barred any higher education institution or parts thereof participating in said boycott from receiving federal funding. This included organizations funded by such institutions of higher learning. The bill also required the secretary of education to publicize a list of all institutions denied funding on this basis.

Later in 12/2013, 135 members of Congress, led by Rep. Roskam, signed a letter to the ASA condemning the boycott vote.

1 cosponsor (1D).

See the Special Document File in JPS 171 for more on the ASA boycott and its legislative response.

Last major action: 2/6/14 Referred to the House Comm. on Education and the Workforce.

More info

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