Frost says he should have supported resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said Tuesday that he should have supported a House resolution that condemned antisemitism on college campuses, saying he came to that conclusion after talking to constituents and local leaders. 

Frost was one of the 23 lawmakers who voted against a House resolution last week that condemned the support of Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations at higher education institutions in the U.S, and called on campus administrators to condemn antisemitism and ensure Jewish community members are protected. He was the only lawmaker from Florida to vote against the resolution.

“After days of reflection, multiple conversations with my constituents and local leaders, and a difficult, but important listening session with students at UCF Hillel’s chapter — I have come to realize that I should have voted differently on H.Res. 798, to send a clear message that I stand against antisemitism,” Frost said in a news release Tuesday. 

The first-term lawmaker said he took issue with the “falsehoods” that were included in the resolution presented by House Republicans, adding that he wanted an opportunity to vote for a Senate resolution on the matter, where he said “didn’t include those falsehoods.” 

“I truly worried that this would open the door for Republicans to infringe on the free speech of students and young people,” Frost added. “Which is why I chose to support and co-sponsor the House version of that same Senate resolution.”

“I now realize that I did not properly prioritize the message this resolution was intended to send — that antisemitism has absolutely no place on college campuses or anywhere in our communities. A sentiment I have and always will firmly believe in.” 

Frost concluded his statement by saying that he will continue to “stand firmly with my Jewish brothers, sisters, and siblings who are fearfully seeing antisemitism rise across our country.” 

“I realize that ending antisemitism will take more than my condemnation. And I know that if allowed to grow and spread in even the smallest corners of our world, history has proven how vile and horrific the pain and suffering of the Jewish people has been as a result of this hate,” Frost said. 

“I am and always will be committed to fighting bigotry, and for peace and safety for all. And remain committed to hearing, listening, and learning more from all of my constituents.”