The US House of Representatives on Thursday passed a Republican-backed bill aimed at penalising universities that participate in boycotts of Israel. The legislation, known as the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, also targets institutions that attempt to prevent students from taking part in exchange programs with Israel.
The bill passed with a vote of 237-169, with 33 Democrats voting in favour alongside most Republicans, and two Republicans opposing. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Under the measure, colleges and universities that receive federal student aid or federal funding for international study must certify annually that they do not restrict student participation in programs in Israel, or Israeli students participating in programs on their campuses.