Amidst rising antisemitism concerns at George Mason University (GMU), Virginia's Democratic senators have rejected Governor Glenn Youngkin's nomination of Kenneth Marcus, a leading antisemitism scholar, to the university's Board of Visitors. The decision, made along party lines by the Senate Privileges & Elections Committee, comes as GMU faces scrutiny over several antisemitism-related incidents.

Marcus, founder of the Brandeis Center and a former official in the Department of Education's civil rights division, expressed disappointment at the rejection, particularly in light of a recent legal victory against antisemitism at Harvard University. He emphasized his commitment to protecting students from antisemitism during his previous service on the GMU board.

Recent incidents at GMU include an FBI investigation of a freshman accused of plotting to bomb the Israeli Consulate in New York City and the banning of Students for Justice in Palestine leaders after the discovery of threatening signage and firearms. Marcus highlighted these events, underscoring the urgency of addressing antisemitism on campus.

While Governor Youngkin has not publicly commented on the rejection, sources suggest he is deeply concerned and working behind the scenes to persuade Democratic senators to reconsider. Marcus, meanwhile, pointed to his efforts to incorporate a working definition of antisemitism into GMU's anti-discrimination policy as a significant step forward.

The Senate committee also rejected other Youngkin nominees, including former Vice President Mike Pence's Chief of Staff, Marc Short, and Nina Rees, a former George W. Bush administration official. Republicans are attempting to reinstate Marcus's nomination, but their success appears unlikely without Democratic support. Both Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and Committee Chair Aaron Rouse have been contacted for comment regarding Marcus's rejection.

GMU President Gregory Washington has previously acknowledged the prevalence of antisemitism incidents on campus and a federal investigation into the matter. He has maintained his support for freedom of speech, even in protests directed against him.