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The administration’s rationale for the order is built upon the premise that certain forms of pro-Palestinian activism have crossed the line into anti-Semitism, creating a hostile environment for Jewish students. By codifying a definition of anti-Semitism that includes specific criticisms of the state of Israel, the executive order provides federal agencies and university administrators with a broad mandate to intervene in student demonstrations. Supporters of the measure argue that it is a long-overdue intervention to protect a vulnerable minority on campus and ensure that federal funds are not supporting institutions that tolerate hate speech. They contend that the privilege of studying in the United States carries with it an obligation to adhere to standards of conduct that maintain social harmony.
