House Republicans in Iowa have proposed a bill that would see visa holders studying at state colleges and universities and publically supporting foreign terrorist groups, such as Hamas, expelled from campuses. This legislatory move follows an executive order linked to antisemitism, signed last month by President Donald Trump. The order ties Federal resources towards countering the rise of antisemitism, which has escalated following the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. A wave of pro-Palestinia protests on U.S. college campuses emerged last year as a response.
In some instances, college buildings and areas were commandeered by demonstrators. Under Trump’s order, any international student found guilty of ‘pro-Hamas vandalism and intimidation’ would face an investigation which could potentially result in the revocation of their visa. The formation of a task force designed to educate Iowa’s higher education officials, attorneys, and law enforcement about antisemitism, was announced last year by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird.
The announcement of the task force was accompanied by a news conference where Professor Christina Gish Hill of Iowa State University revealed that during a recent demonstration on campus, the call for an ‘intifada’, or a Palestinian uprise against the Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza strip territories, was made by protestors. A significant toll has been exacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict, with upwards of about 46,000 Palestinians dead and 109,378 reported as wounded according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Under House File 115, all colleges and state universities in Iowa would have to define policies against students, faculty, and staff—holding nonimmigrant visas—publically encouraging terrorist activities related to an ongoing conflict or inviting others to side with such actions or a terrorist group, unless it aligns with the U.S.’s policy or practice. The educational institutions would be obligated to look into any ‘credible allegations’ of such violations by students, staff, or faculty, which might prompt their suspension, expulsion, or termination.
The same legislation also demands that post the suspension, expulsion, or termination of a student, employee or staff member, their records be updated in the U.S. Homeland Security’s student exchange visitor information system. Another crucial clause in the pending bill enforces that the affected student, faculty member, or staff member would be prohibited from enrolling at, getting a job at, or transferring to another university or college within Iowa.
The envisaged legislation would also equip the Iowa Attorney General’s office with the power to probe into any violations by colleges and universities who don’t adhere to the policy. The law would also enable the attorney general’s office to petition the court to issue an order for compliance from the universities.
The legislation carries further sanctions for noncompliance. Accredited private colleges and universities within Iowa would risk losing eligibility for state tuition grants for the academic year if they failed to adhere to the proposed law, should it be passed.
Despite fears that the proposed bill could infringe on the right to free speech, it has been moved forward by the two Republican members – Reps. Jeff Shipley and John Wills – of a three-member legislative panel. Consequently, the bill may be considered by the full Iowa House Higher Education Committee in its next stage.