Stefanik to release new book on college antisemitism as she eyes bid for NY governor
Rep. Elise Stefanik, a prominent Republican from New York, is set to publish a book titled “Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America’s Elite Universities,” scheduled for release in April 2026. This book aims to detail her efforts to combat antisemitism on college campuses, a pressing issue that has gained significant attention amid rising tensions surrounding Israel and Palestine. As chair of House Republican leadership, Stefanik has positioned herself as a leading voice against antisemitism, particularly in the wake of anti-Israel protests that surged across U.S. universities last academic year. Her advocacy reflects a broader concern about the moral and academic integrity of elite institutions, which she argues are failing to protect Jewish students and uphold academic standards.
Stefanik’s commitment to this cause was highlighted during a December 2023 hearing of the House Education and Workforce Committee, where she challenged the leadership of three major universities regarding their responses to antisemitism. The fallout from this hearing was significant, leading to the resignations of notable figures such as former Harvard President Claudine Gay and former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill. Stefanik described the hearing as a transformative experience, stating it “set off an earthquake in academia” and emphasized the urgent need for accountability in addressing the pervasive antisemitism that she claims is affecting students today. Her remarks underline a larger narrative about the deteriorating environment for Jewish students at elite universities, which she believes is symptomatic of a moral crisis within these institutions.
As she prepares for her gubernatorial campaign against Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul in the 2026 New York elections, Stefanik is leveraging her stance on antisemitism as a key platform issue. Her book not only aims to shed light on the challenges faced by Jewish students but also serves as a political tool to rally support among constituents who share her concerns about the direction of higher education in America. By framing her narrative around personal testimonies and the urgent need for reform, Stefanik hopes to galvanize public opinion and position herself as a strong contender in the upcoming election. Her proactive approach to this contentious issue reflects a strategic alignment with the Republican Party’s broader agenda, emphasizing cultural issues that resonate with their base while aiming to make a significant impact on state and national politics.
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Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. is preparing to release a book detailing her efforts to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses.
Stefanik, who currently serves as chair of House Republican leadership, is
expected to mount
a bid for governor of New York ahead of the Empire State’s elections in November 2026.
Her forthcoming book is expected out in April of that year and is titled, “Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America’s Elite Universities.”
BATTLEGROUND REPUBLICANS HOLD THE LINE AS JOHNSON PRESSURES DEMS ON SHUTDOWN
A press release for the book obtained by Fox News Digital touted Stefanik’s role at a Dec. 5, 2023, hearing by the House Education and Workforce Committee, where the New York Republican grilled heads of three top colleges on their handling of antisemitism.
Fallout from that hearing
precipitated the resignations
of former Harvard President Claudine Gay and former University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill.
SCREAMING MATCH ERUPTS BETWEEN HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MIKE LAWLER AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CHAOS CONTINUES
“The hearing heard around the world was unlike any other experience I have had serving at the highest levels of Congress over the past decade. It set off an earthquake in academia and
delivered accountability
that was long overdue,” Stefanik said in a statement about the release.
“The moral and academic crisis within America’s most elite universities is wide and deep, and it is already having far-reaching and devastating impacts. The horrific stories from students are riveting, and it is truly shocking that this scourge of antisemitism is happening in the 21st century in the United States of America. I am proud to lead boldly with strength and moral clarity on one of the most important issues of our time,” she said.
Stefanik, who represents upstate New York’s 21st Congressional District, is said to be eyeing a challenge to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
She has also taken a leading role in Congress in the House GOP’s crackdown on antisemitism, particularly amid a wave of anti-Israel protests at U.S. universities toward the end of the last academic year.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
