the authority and the tools to investigate and prosecute individuals including students, based on credible evidence of antisemitic behavior or sentiments. These departments have access to intelligence, surveillance, and legal mechanisms to gather and evaluate such information.
In contrast, universities can only provide academic records, such as transcripts or published work, which reflect a student’s academic performance, not their political beliefs or private conduct. Beyond that, what more can a school reasonably provide?
Holding academic institutions accountable for background investigations that fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement not only oversteps their role, but also threatens the foundational principle of academic independence.
