The GOP Wants to Punish Colleges. It’s Unclear How Much It Can.

Lawmakers have thrown out various ideas to address campus protests, but Congress’ actual power to force change is limited.

Lauren Boebert, Anna Paulina Luna, James Comer

Republicans on the House Oversight Committee visited George Washington University last week to see a student encampment over the Israel-Hamas war. Jose Luis Magana/AP

In response to pro-Palestine protests, Republicans have threatened everything from taking federal funding away from universities, deporting students who have been involved and arresting those who refuse to comply.

But other than holding hearings where public officials and university representatives are blasted with questions, it’s unclear if Congress can accomplish these goals.

Some of their ideas could run into serious legal challenges, and others could die in a Democratic-controlled Senate. The most lawmakers may be able to do is use their bully pulpit to try to force change at universities.