Senate Proposes Bill to Include Campus Protesters in No-Fly List

Bill Introduced by Republican Senators

A new bill has been proposed in the Senate by two Republican members aiming to include campus protesters in a no-fly list. This comes in the wake of pro-Palestinian students across the country, rallying on campuses and urging their universities to sever ties with the Israeli government due to their harsh military operations in Gaza. However, US politicians from various political backgrounds are labeling these protests as antisemitic.

Details of the Proposed Legislation

As per the bill, S.4274, which was made public on Senator Marsha Blackburn's website, the US government would be required to include campus protesters in a no-fly list. Blackburn, along with her Republican colleague Roger Marshall, released a press statement explaining that the proposed bill, titled "The No Flights For Terrorists Act", would place anyone, including students, faculty, professors, or paid agitators, on the No-Fly List if they have incited violence against Jewish people, pledged allegiance to US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, or have faced disciplinary action by their educational institution related to such actions.

Blackburn's Other Proposals

The senators further stated that this legislative action is a response to the ongoing antisemitic, pro-Hamas protests that have caused violence and chaos on college campuses nationwide. Blackburn has also suggested that student loans of campus protesters be revoked and supports another bill that would prevent activists from having their federal student loans relieved.

Pro-Palestinian Protests Across the Country

Last month, pro-Palestinian protests that originated from Columbia in New York City spread to other parts of the country. These protests, which have been largely peaceful, involved Jewish students and organizations. The protesters are demanding their universities sever ties with the Israeli government, accusing Tel Aviv of perpetrating genocide in Gaza.

Politicians' Reactions to the Protests

Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, the students and their supporters have been labeled as anti-Semitic and anti-American by leaders from various political backgrounds. Senator Marshall stated that those sympathizing with the Hamas terrorist organization not only despise Israel but also hate America and its values. He added that these radical Marxists, who are promoting Hamas' agenda on college campuses and threatening the safety of Jewish students and communities, should be treated the same way as the terrorist organization.

President Biden's Remarks

President Joe Biden echoed similar sentiments on Tuesday, condemning antisemitism on college campuses and calling for a halt to hate speech or threats of violence against Jews or anyone else. He emphasized that violent attacks and property destruction are not forms of peaceful protest and are against the law, reminding that the US is a civil society that upholds the rule of law.

What are your thoughts on this proposed bill? Do you think it's a fair response to the protests, or does it infringe on the protesters' rights? Share your views with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.