Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Washington, D.C. — In a new letter to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Subcommittee on Health Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA) press for information regarding antisemitic harassment and intimidation at UCSF and its associated medical centers under UCSF Health.
The investigation comes as part of Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) House-wide effort to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.
"As a recipient of federal funding—both through various U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants and Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements for health care services provided at UCSF Health medical centers—UCSF has an obligation to comply with federal law and to prevent and appropriately respond to discrimination and harassment," the letter states.
"The reports of antisemitic harassment and intimidation at UCSF and its associated medical centers coupled with the inadequate response by UCSF leadership is concerning to the Committee. Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe environment for all students, faculty, staff, and patients is a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as Chancellor of UCSF and UCSF Health."
"Failing to comply with basic safety protections for members of the UCSF and UCSF Health communities or failure to respond appropriately to and prevent harassment and discrimination, no matter the cause, may be grounds to withhold federal funds from the university and its associated medical centers. Congress has an obligation to ensure compliance with Title VI. If Congress determines an institution of higher education is in violation, we may consider rescinding research and development funds previously appropriated. Similarly, if Congress determines a medical facility is in violation, we may consider rescinding the right to participate in federal health care programs."
An encampment in front of UCSF’s medical center has caused significant disruption to campus operations as well as distress among community members, including healthcare professionals. Many Jewish healthcare professionals working at UCSF Health have expressed concerns about their safety—including fears that their private information might be made public.
Numerous antisemitic public statements by faculty, staff, or students at UCSF or UCSF Health have been reported. These include assertions that patients should fear Jewish doctors or false claims that Israel trains U.S. police officers in brutal tactics against people of color. There have also been calls for Israelis in the U.S., including students who served with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), to be tried for war crimes.
Hundreds of complaints regarding antisemitism or hostile work environments have been filed by employees or patients at UCSF or UCSF Health with the Office of Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD). Confidential sources indicate that most complainants are told these actions fall under free speech protections.
For further details: Main: (202) 225-3641 Press: (202) 226-4972
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