On Oct. 7, 2023, a series of significant events unfolded that could impact the upcoming November election. Hamas staged raids into Israel, sparking a volatile situation in the Middle East. The issue of abortion remains a key factor in the election, but the situation in the Middle East may overshadow it. The rift within the Democratic Party is evident across college campuses, with photos of occupation and protests against human rights abuses in Gaza becoming prevalent. The Democratic Party is struggling to balance student protests with concerns about antisemitism, with voters noticing and the GOP capitalizing on the discord.
Republicans are seen as exploiting the Democratic schism, but they don’t need to do much as the daily unrest on college campuses speaks for itself. Both parties lack a legislative agenda for the year, with only a completed foreign aid package and TikTok laws passed. The GOP is better positioned to handle the situation on college campuses, with House Speaker Mike Johnson leading investigations into universities and threats to cut off funding for those deemed inadequate in addressing the unrest. The resignation of university presidents due to allegations of antisemitism has further pressured higher education institutions.
House Republicans have been successful in targeting higher education, with multiple university presidents stepping down following allegations of antisemitism. Investigations and hearings into universities’ actions have been launched, and further public scrutiny is expected in May. The Education Secretary has condemned the harassment of Jewish students, but Republican lawmakers believe the federal government has been slow to probe civil rights violations on campuses. Funding may be reduced for schools failing to protect students, with threats to cut federal funds for those not complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has requested additional funding to hire more investigators and probe campus incidents. Republican lawmakers have attempted to cut funding for the Department of Education and universities believed to have failed in protecting students. The potential for federal funds to be removed from schools not complying with Title VI is a looming threat. Determining when a school has crossed the line in terms of civil rights violations may pose a challenge, with tensions between the First Amendment and anti-discrimination laws. The ongoing campus unrest and political implications are shaping up to be a significant issue in the upcoming election, with Republicans confident that the situation works in their favor.
