Lower Bucks Today

In Harrisburg, Representatives Martina White and Kristin Marcell have introduced two legislative proposals aimed at addressing harassment on college campuses. This move comes in response to recent anti-Israel protests that reportedly led to Jewish students and faculty facing harassment and intimidation.

White's proposed legislation seeks to expand the conditions under which the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) can deny grants. Currently, PHEAA can withhold grants from students convicted of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude or felonies. The new bill would extend this prohibition to include students convicted of ethnic intimidation, institutional vandalism, desecration, theft, sale of venerated objects, or institutional trespass.

Marcell's bill introduces a new crime termed "institutional trespass," targeting unauthorized entry into sensitive areas like houses of worship, cemeteries, and schools. While existing laws already impose penalties for vandalism against such institutions, Marcell emphasizes the need for additional punishment for trespassing in these areas.

"Recently, pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations on college campuses have condemned Israel’s military response to the Hamas incursion and demanded that colleges divest investments from companies connected to Israel," stated White. She highlighted that while protests are common on campuses, unlawful actions such as occupying academic buildings forcefully or destroying property are not protected by the First Amendment. "If students are convicted of specific unlawful actions related to protests," she continued, "they will face additional consequences by being denied PHEAA grants."

Marcell added her perspective: "We have no issue with those who protest within the law to make their voice heard. However, unlawful protests that interfere with the right of other students to pursue their education will not be tolerated." She noted that her bill aims to empower institutions in maintaining campus environments where all students can learn without facing harassment or intimidation.