Garden State Times

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn has received affirmation from Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway that he is prepared to participate in legislative hearings concerning campus protests and student safety. This confirmation was made during the Assembly budget hearing on Thursday.

Dunn, representing Morris County, raised concerns about campus safety during the hearing. She said, "Many of my constituents are not only students, but also faculty and many have expressed their concerns about safety on campus." She further asked Holloway if he would be willing to engage in a more detailed discussion with the legislature about these issues.

Holloway responded affirmatively, saying, "Yes ma’am."

The Rutgers president was present at the hearing primarily to discuss higher education funding. However, he also addressed the pro-Palestine encampment on campus and the negotiations undertaken to persuade protestors to voluntarily leave. While Holloway did not personally attend these negotiations, he delegated a representative from his cabinet. He revealed that the concessions made by the university in this regard should cost approximately $175,000.

In light of these events, Holloway has been summoned to testify before the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Additionally, Rutgers University is currently under federal investigation for its handling of antisemitism across its campuses.

Several Republican legislators have expressed their support for state legislative hearings involving university administration.