House Education Committee says Daniel Biss ‘severely downplayed antisemitism’ in briefing

March 7, 2026 - 10:08

A recent briefing by Northwestern University President Daniel Biss before the House Education and the Workforce Committee has drawn sharp rebuke from lawmakers. According to a committee statement, Biss was accused of having "severely downplayed antisemitism" on his campus during his testimony.

The central point of contention revolves around Biss's reported characterization of the campus climate. Lawmakers stated that Biss told the committee "the great majority of his Jewish friends in the Northwestern community had no concerns" regarding antisemitism. This assertion stands in direct contrast to the experiences and testimonies presented by numerous Jewish community members, students, and advocacy groups, who have documented incidents of harassment and expressed feelings of insecurity.

The committee's criticism underscores a growing national scrutiny of how university administrations are addressing reports of antisemitic activity following the October 7th attacks. The panel suggested Biss's personal anecdote failed to reflect the broader, documented concerns on campus, creating a disconnect between the administration's perception and the lived reality of some Jewish students. The hearing is part of a broader congressional investigation into antisemitism at several elite U.S. universities, with a focus on administrative responses to protests and reported incidents. The committee has not yet indicated what further actions, if any, may follow this criticism of President Biss's testimony.