U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, North Carolina
House Committee on Education and the Workforce Virginia Foxx (R-NC) speaks during a news conference to decry pro-Palestinian protests at universities across the country at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on April 30, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

A House committee may subpoena Columbia University if it fails to comply with an ongoing investigation into rising antisemitism on college campuses.

House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx, of North Carolina, issued a written warning to Columbia University on Thursday, citing the institution's lack of response to document requests related to antisemitic incidents, protests and campus safety. Foxx emphasized that Columbia has not provided crucial documents, such as communications from board members, records of board meetings and student disciplinary actions following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, despite requests made months ago.

"Columbia has stonewalled us, and this is the last chance for Columbia to comply voluntarily," Foxx told NPR. " ... We feel like the administration is just not taking the problem seriously."

The committee has set an Aug. 8 deadline for Columbia to produce the requested documents or face subpoenas.

The university has stated that it is reviewing the committee's letter and remains committed to combating antisemitism and all forms of hate. Many students were suspended or arrested following pro-Palestinian protests and encampments at the school last spring.

"Everybody's concern is ensuring the safety of Jewish students on campus. That is at the bottom of this, and that's why we are pressing these people to let us know what their actions are," she said. "If they don't take serious actions, the students don't know if they'll be safe this fall, and that's important."

Tags Columbia University, Investigation