Republicans are set to launch a broadside against colleges and universities if they take control of the federal government next year, eager to impose major changes on a higher education system that has faced intense scrutiny over accusations of excessive liberalism and, more recently, antisemitism.
After years of mounting tensions between universities and Republicans over concerns about free speech and perceptions that college campuses have become political echo chambers, the dam seemingly broke after the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
While the right fringe of the GOP has entertained the thought of a crackdown on colleges and universities for years, the matter has now gone mainstream in the party, with lawmakers plotting behind closed doors for action after the coming elections.
Even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R‑KY), an establishment stalwart, has spoken publicly about his desire to see Congress tear into the status quo of highe …