Ramirez Statement in Opposition to Efforts to Make an Example of University Presidents

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after voting in opposition to H.Res 827, a resolution condemning the testimonies of the presidents of the University of Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachuset Institute of Technology in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce:
 

“I’ve continuously affirmed my commitment to stand against antisemitism in all its forms. Antisemitism is real, it is on the rise, and it deserves meaningful action from Congress. And, just like last week in votes, I believe it is dangerous to stifle dissent and the exercise of free speech. I find it particularly egregious to condemn three university presidents - all women - for voluntarily submitting to a Congressional hearing, only to immediately seek to make an example of them. My colleagues continue to wield resolutions and censures as a means to punish, silence, attack, and pit communities and our elected officials against one another. I will not participate in that divisive effort. Resolutions like this one fuel division and sideline dissenting voices, risking the very values of our multicultural, multi-racial democracy. We must stand strong against antisemitism AND the politics of division and dehumanization that keep us from realizing change. That’s why I voted NO on today’s resolution.”