Palmetto State News

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Ranking Member U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, have launched an investigation into the financial support behind the Rutgers University Center for Security, Race and Rights. The Center has been sponsoring events featuring anti-Semitic speakers, individuals who justify violence against Israel, terrorist sympathizers, and advocates of domestic radicalism.

In a letter, the Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans expressed their concerns about the Center's activities, stating, "The work of the Center, its promotion of terrorist sympathizers, and its platforming of radical ideologues is troubling to us as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee." They also highlighted the Committee's history of working on legislation to combat terrorism and provide justice to its victims.

The Committee is particularly interested in the financial backing of the Center, including whether U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used to fund its activities and the role of foreign governments in supporting it. They have requested information from the President of Rutgers University and the Chair of its Board of Governors regarding the University's support of the Center.

Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer has also condemned the Center, referring to one of their events as "a platform to those affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad." The Center has received bipartisan condemnation for its activities.

Additionally, the Committee has sought information from New York City law firm Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, which has donated at least $13,000 to the Rutgers Center's Law Fellows Program over the past three years. The Committee is interested in understanding the nature of the firm's support and its connection to Professor Sahar Aziz, the Director of the Center, who has been known to espouse "vile anti-Semitic propaganda."

The Center's events and affiliates have raised further concerns. On the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Center co-sponsored an event that blamed "U.S. imperialism" for the terrorist attack and featured a speaker, Sami Al-Arian, who was convicted on federal charges related to Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Professor Sahar Aziz, the Director of the Center, has also made troubling statements. She signed an open letter expressing admiration for the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation and has reposted propaganda denying Israeli atrocities in Gaza. The Center has also hosted events with speakers who have praised acts of violence against Israel, including the October 7th massacre.

The investigation by the Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans aims to shed light on the financial support behind the Rutgers University Center for Security, Race and Rights and evaluate the appropriateness of such support. The Committee is committed to rooting out support for terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its allies.