WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner on Monday strongly denounced antisemitic incidents on American college campuses, declaring that authorities would no longer ignore such activities.
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“We’ve all watched the antisemitic rioters turn American campuses into battlefields, viciously attacking Jewish students, vandalizing historic monuments & buildings, invading classes, ruining graduation ceremonies, and harassing innocent students who just want to go about their day,” Turner said in remarks at a Department of Justice Religious Liberty Commission hearing focused on combating antisemitism and upholding religious freedom.
“No longer will we turn a blind eye to these activities,” he added.
The hearing, held Feb. 9 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., examined the rise of antisemitism and its implications for religious liberty, including in the private sector. It featured testimony from various witnesses addressing ongoing harassment and intimidation tied to these incidents.
Turner, who was confirmed as HUD secretary in February 2025, spoke as part of the proceedings overseen by the commission, which operates under the Justice Department. The event was livestreamed and covered by outlets including C-SPAN.
The comments come amid broader discussions in the Trump administration on protecting religious freedoms, with the commission holding multiple hearings on related issues. Turner highlighted his personal background as a former college coach and his outspoken stance against the rise of antisemitism.
No immediate policy actions were announced during the hearing, but Turner’s statement reflected a firm position against tolerating disruptions and violence targeting Jewish students and communities on campuses.