Governor Glenn Youngkin in a Sunday appearance on CNN pledged to protect the First Amendment on Virginia’s college campuses, but also vowed to keep Jewish students safe from “hate speech and intimidation” from anti-Israel protesters.
The governor stated during an appearance with Dana Bash on CNN’s State of the Union that his administration will allow protesters to peacefully demonstrate against Israel while preventing the establishment of anti-Israel encampments and protecting the rights of Jewish students.
“We have to begin with the fact that Freedom of Expression, and peacefully demonstrating is at the heart of our First Amendment, and we must protect it,” Youngkin told Bash.
He then explained, “that does not go to, in fact, intimidating Jewish students and preventing them from attending class and using annihilation speech to express deeply antisemitic views.”
Governor @GlennYoungkin on the antisemitic protests on college campuses across America:
“Freedom of expression and peacefully demonstrating is at the heart of our First Amendment, and we must protect it, BUT that does not go to intimidating Jewish students and preventing them… pic.twitter.com/eoB09aCH7n
— Team Youngkin – Spirit of Virginia (@TeamYoungkin) April 28, 2024
Youngkin then confirmed he is working with Attorney General Jason Miyares, university presidents, and law enforcement, “to make sure that if there are protests, they are peaceful, we’re not going to have encampments and tents put up.”
He added, “yes we will protect the ability to peacefully express yourself, but we’re not going to have the kinds of hate speech and intimidation that we’re seeing across the country in Virginia.”
The governor’s remarks referenced the anti-Israel encampments that formed at university campuses around the country in opposition of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. Organizations behind the encampments in at least some high profile schools reportedly received funding from Hungarian-American financier George Soros or his allies.
Youngkin’s interview came following the governor’s departure from Virginia for his third international trade mission, and the CNN appearance was recorded at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
“It’s amazing to be here at Ramstein Air Base to visit with these extraordinary men and women who are on the front line of projecting America’s capabilities around the world,” said Youngkin.
Of his trip, the governor stressed, “Global economic strength is national security, and it’s critically important for us to have deep relationships with our trusted allies.”
Virginia’s global economic strength is vital for our national security, and we need to continue to deepen our relationships with our allies. I’m grateful for the chance to visit Ramstein Air Base and meet the incredible men and women who are on America's front line. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/V4tBWRt8oI
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) April 28, 2024
Youngkin added, “I think we’ve done a great job in the Commonwealth of Virginia in bringing companies to Virginia but also developing relationships around the world.”
After departure on Sunday, the governor will make trips to Germany, Denmark, Switzerland and Finland, where Youngkin is scheduled to meet with President Alexander Stubb.
The governor is expected to return to Virginia on May 3, which is just over one week before lawmakers will return to Richmond to continue deliberating the commonwealth’s budget.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gov Glenn Youngkin” by National Governors Association.
