Video & Transcript Research : 'unlicensed practice'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector and Senate Select Committee on the Nonprofit Sector Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Ensuring equitable and prompt reimbursement and other promising government practices, which do exist
- I'm here to talk about the need for reforming state government contracting practices with a focus on
- I'm here to talk about the need for reforming state government contracting practices with a focus on
- The bill expands the practice of providing advance payments, which are often called startup funds, to
- It's just a matter of often getting caught in longstanding practice or habit, and we have to find ways
Summary:
The joint Senate and Assembly select committee hearing focused on the challenges facing California nonprofits in 2025 and possible state responses. Opening remarks emphasized the sector’s size and importance, the impact of federal funding disruptions and tax policy changes, and the need for stronger public-private partnerships, especially in disaster response and recovery. Witnesses from community foundations, food banks, Cal OES, long-term recovery groups, CalNonprofits, and nonprofit finance organizations described funding uncertainty, delayed reimbursements, reduced indirect cost coverage, staffing strain, and the effects of climate disasters and immigration-related fear on service delivery.
Testimony highlighted several policy ideas, including advance payments for state grants and contracts, prompt payment standards, sustainable indirect cost rates, contract flexibility in emergencies, streamlined registration and reporting, and a possible new Office of Nonprofit Empowerment to serve as a central point of contact and coordination within state government. Speakers also described how nonprofits and VOAD networks support wildfire response and long-term recovery, but noted that recovery groups often lack stable operating funding even when they are recognized as best practice. A food bank leader described federal food aid cuts and disruptions to deliveries, while other witnesses stressed that nonprofits are increasingly forced to use reserves, loans, or service reductions to manage cash flow gaps.
Committee members generally expressed support for the sector and asked how the state could better partner with nonprofits during both disasters and budget crises. Several members raised the possibility of incremental steps if full legislative changes are not immediately feasible, and witnesses suggested pilots, better sharing of best practices, and stronger state leadership on payment timelines. Public commenters echoed the need for better contracting practices, support for community-based organizations, and attention to nonprofit worker compensation and protections. No formal votes or committee actions were taken in the hearing, which concluded with adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We were also asked to develop statewide standards for best practices.
- That practice needs to stop.
- I'm also an attorney, and I practice here in Austin.
- But in practice, we've seen individuals with no connection to Harris County.
- However, because it is discretionary, practices vary, and victims may be at risk.
Bills:
HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB1024, HB1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667, HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ticket resale disclosures and pricing restrictions 3/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, as originally written, HB 923 states that the panel may not change the scope of practice.
- There's a lot of people not practicing the law.
- Bookstaff and I used to practice together.
- HB 32 in practical effect, likely removes a whole lot of those protections.
- Practice compassion, not retribution. Any questions for Molly? OK.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary (2-13-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I've been practicing psychology for more than 15 years and I have clinical experience and relationships
- I've been practicing psychology for more than 15 years and I have clinical experience and relationships
- I've been practicing psychology for more than 15 years and I have clinical experience and relationships
- I've been practicing psychology for more than 15 years and I have clinical experience and relationships
- I suicidality and death it my practice I regularly<00:13:30.240>
work <00:13:30.440>with
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:04
SB 02: 00:01:37
Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:09:49
SB 84: 00:22:19
SB 111: 00:30:35, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first considered Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, which would prohibit incarcerated people from receiving cross-sex hormones or gender-affirming surgeries, while allowing a tapering period if stopping an existing treatment would cause physical harm. Wilson said the bill was needed to prevent the Department of Corrections from providing such care by memo or policy rather than statute, and he argued the care was elective and not medically necessary. Senators Thomas, Neal, Nemes, Styers, and others questioned whether any gender-affirming surgeries had actually occurred in Kentucky, whether the hormone treatments were physician-prescribed, and whether the bill would override medical judgment; Wilson said the department reported no surgeries, that 67 incarcerated people were receiving cross-sex hormone therapy, and that he would only support treatment if it fit the bill’s narrow medical-harm exception.
Public testimony on SB 2 was strongly opposed. Chris Hartman of the Fairness Campaign said the bill would deny medically necessary care, violate the Eighth Amendment, and target a very small and vulnerable incarcerated population. Dr. Jack Skilles testified that gender-affirming care is medically necessary and supported by major medical organizations, warning that denying it could worsen mental health and lead to suicidality. Hannah Callahan, a transgender woman, described being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated and said the interruption caused severe physical and mental harm, including suicidal thoughts. Emma Curtis, Lexington’s Fourth District councilwoman, also urged a no vote, framing the issue as a matter of compassion and religious duty.
The committee then voted on SB 2. Senator Neal explained his no vote by saying he was not medically trained and deferred to doctors; Senator Nemes said he wanted clarification that the bill would not stop ongoing treatment; and Senator Styers argued the bill was a poor priority and noted there was no fiscal note and that only 67 people were affected. Senator Wheeler moved the bill, Senator Reed seconded, and the committee reported Senate Bill 2 favorably. Afterward, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Senator Steve Rawlings, which would limit judicial deference to state agency interpretations and require courts, not agencies, to interpret ambiguous laws, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision overturning Chevron deference.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- Because they better align companies' data practices with what consumers expect.
- But I'd say they are effective in changing business practices, which is the goal.
- It's not that business practice.
- This is a practice in which companies extract... ...to three to six months.
- And there's a great deal of precarity that's very practical and very true.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information.
Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement.
Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-05-13 - 10:00AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- practice of medicine in Vermont statute. practice of medicine in Vermont statute.
- <01:00:24.079>
medicine ability to ethically practice medicine ability to ethically practice - It bans corporate practice of medicine.
- their um practice. their um practice.
- practice practice and<01:15:05.520>
uh <01:15:05.679>the <01:15:06.000>head <01:
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Mascoff believes that this targeted, practical training will strengthen both community trust and public
- safety. ...practical training will strengthen both community trust and public safety, and it's truly
- I myself run an employee benefits practice in Wilburne, so, Rep.
- I myself run an employee benefits practice in Wilburne, so, Rep.
- So these experience have shaped my commitment to design practical and sustainable and inclusive launch
Summary:
The Aging and Independence/Elder Affairs Committee heard testimony on several bills, with the main focus on H.769/S.468, an act to improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Legislators and advocates described the bill’s provisions, including expanded dementia training for first responders, a dementia services coordinator/director in state government, improved hospital discharge and caregiver access protections, dementia care coordination benefits for certain MassHealth members, public awareness and data collection requirements, and expanded support for geriatric workforce recruitment. Representative Danielle Gregoire and Senator Gomez framed the measure as a zero-cost, bipartisan continuation of the 2018 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Act, while the Alzheimer’s Association, Boston Public Health Commission, police representatives, clinicians, and family caregivers all testified in support, emphasizing public health needs, early diagnosis, caregiver involvement, and safer emergency and hospital care.
The committee also heard testimony on H.796/S.476, which would establish an Office of Older Adult Advocate and a special commission on a statewide long-term services and supports benefit program. Representative Steve Ultrino supported an independent older adult advocate to help navigate fragmented state services and improve constituent services, while committee members asked about funding and the office’s relationship to existing secretariats. On the long-term care commission bill, NAFA Massachusetts and LeadingAge Massachusetts supported creating a stakeholder commission to review actuarial findings and explore public-private financing options for long-term care, stressing that neither public nor private coverage alone is sufficient and that middle-income families need more planning tools and options.
The committee also took testimony on H.786/S.466, a bill to protect vulnerable elders by expanding the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ authority to investigate abuse or neglect in non-traditional custodial settings such as prisons, jails, shelters, group homes, and certain treatment facilities. Prisoners Legal Services said the bill would close a jurisdictional gap that leaves some older adults without an investigative agency once they age out of DPPC coverage. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 9, 2025 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- to follow multi step direction, able to retain skills, more more freely more often and they can practice
- Dental therapists may only practice with in the scope of their training and licensure and pursuant to
- the collaborative management agreement that they will have with a Florida licensed practicing dentist
- My 46 years of practice having removed around 20,000 teeth, I can tell you there's no such thing as a
- This additional training will increase access to care and increase productivity and dental practices
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Jun 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Then our guests from RISD will carry the conversation from analysis to practice and we'll have the opportunity
- also trained 10,500 teachers and administrators in the science of reading, while also requiring to practice
- statutory amendment to educated preparation programs now requires the use of structured literacy practices
- So this is not to say that we don't have people who are highly informed in the practices teaching the
- Because I think right now, depending on the practice, and I'm sure Carla and Christy could speak to this
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- He’s still practicing and has been practicing for over 40 years. I believe it was an accident.
- This legislation has enabled medical practice...
- And continue practicing negligently, never facing repercussions for their actions.
- We're talking about what that is in building out an obstetric practice.
- That is the only way to keep bad doctors from continuing to practice.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard three bills. SB 514, by Senator Harrell, clarified that medical quality review committees used by managing entities are treated like other medical review committees for purposes of civil liability and public records protections. The committee adopted a Harrell amendment removing the word “malpractice” from the title, heard support from the Florida Hospital Association, Florida Association of Managing Entities, and Florida Smart Justice Alliance, and then voted 11-0 to report the bill favorably.
The committee then took up SB 734, by Senator Yarborough, which would repeal the current wrongful death exception that bars certain parents and adult children from recovering non-economic damages in medical negligence cases. The bill drew extensive testimony from families describing deaths they said were caused by medical negligence and from supporters including AARP and the Florida Justice Association, while opponents from the health care, insurance, and business sectors argued it would raise malpractice premiums, increase litigation, worsen physician shortages, and reduce access to care. After debate, the committee voted 9-2 to report the bill favorably.
Finally, SB 538, by Senator Bradley, was presented as the state courts legislative package. It updates court operations by clarifying duty judge requirements, removing a location limit on duty hearings, repealing a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and allowing alternative judicial authentication of oaths and acknowledgments when a court seal is unavailable. The bill received supportive waiver forms from the Florida Bar ADR section and several judges, and was reported favorably on an 11-0 vote. The committee then adjourned.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider S.527, to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, S.1040, to amend the Federal Trade Commis Apr 3rd, 2025 at 09:15 am
Senate Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Today's markup is about addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and abusive practices that keep
- taking another shot at making sure consumers aren't being taken advantage of by anti-competitive practices
- You see patent practices and strengthen agency collaboration.
- Before answering your question, my answer is going to be based upon practice.
- , our practice is, at least in the last 40 years, never to have a hearing.
Keywords:
drug competition, product hopping, generic drugs, biosimilars, federal regulations, FTC Act, patent, biological products, healthcare access, affordable prescriptions, Medicare, Federal Trade Commission, sham petitions, competition, public health, unfair competition, healthcare, pharmaceutical, antitrust law, pay-for-delay
Summary:
The meeting focused on addressing the high cost of prescription drugs and the abusive practices that contribute to elevated prices affecting American families. Several bills were presented, including proposals to end pay-for-delay deals and to enhance transparency in the operations of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The discussion was notable for its emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring that cheaper generic drugs reach the market more effectively. Members expressed frustration over past attempts to pass similar legislation stalling in the Senate, leading to renewed efforts to push these bills forward.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
Tourism and Gaming Working Group (TGWG) - Thu Jun 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:10.720>
upon <00:12:10.960>our <00:12:11.080>land theory but in practice - upon our land theory but in practice upon our land base. base. base.
- give us, you know, your best practices give us, you know, your best practices that<00:31:58.280>
- <00:32:01.160>
I <00:32:01.240>saw Well, one of the best practices I saw Well, one - Is there any sort of established best practices where the license is only granted for a year?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:47:47.280>
So <00:47:47.760>um our best practice is uh here. - So um our best practice is uh here.
- issues as well as best practice issues as well as best practice identification<00:48:04.800>
- um who see what might be best practices um who see what might be best practices and<00:53:21.599
- So these are sister pathways for the council to review best practice, not the same but adjacent.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- And my goal is not to do away with the practice totally. My intent...
- And my goal is not to do away with the practice totally.
- My intent is to do away with what I consider a predatory practice.
- So we've had at least four physicians want to come in practice in Arkansas, willing to practice in rural
- So we've had at least four physicians want to come in practice in Arkansas, willing to practice in rural
Summary:
The committee resumed consideration of several amendments to fiscal bills. It adopted Senator Johnson’s amendment to Senate Bill 15, which shifts responsibility for Keep Arkansas Beautiful-related functions and roadside litter cleanup coordination toward ARDOT, with the current commissioners becoming an advisory council. The committee also adopted Representative Perry’s amendment to Senate Bill 7, lowering from 50 to 25 the employee threshold for employers to request claims data from insurers for group health coverage, aimed at helping smaller businesses and municipalities obtain more competitive insurance quotes.
Representative McKinsey’s amendment to Senate Bill 41, which would have blocked a University of Arkansas at Fayetteville athletic funding transfer and imposed a one-year rider, was rejected after questions about the university’s finances and whether such a transfer had ever occurred. Senator Hester’s amendment to House Bill 1051, intended to cap online sports betting free play at 5% of gross receipts, also failed after debate over whether the proposal was properly fiscal language and whether the free-play incentives constituted a subsidy.
Representative Walker’s amendment to a Save the Children appropriation, which would have converted the funding into a matching grant to encourage private donations, failed for lack of a motion. Representative Vaught’s amendment related to an agricultural tax exemption for certain tractor parts and diesel exhaust fluid systems likewise failed, with concerns raised about drafting, enforcement, and whether it belonged in revenue tax committees. The committee then added two late items: Representative Johnson’s technical correction to a physician licensure pathway bill, which was adopted to broaden qualifying underserved-area definitions, and Senator Tucker’s amendment to Senate Bill 77, which deleted a fund-transfer section and created a matching appropriation mechanism to help Arkansas TV/PBS retain affiliation and pay dues. Senate Bill 77 passed as amended, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Banking and Insurance Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And they can go and unfair trade practices.
- And they can go and unfair trade practices.
- So at the end of the day, what are the practical implications of this?
- with the law and with the current practices at DFS.
- with the law with the current practices at DFS.
Summary:
The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on health care sharing ministries and insurance agents. Senator Yarbrough presented the bill to repeal a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing consumer protections; opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could increase confusion or misuse of agents and brokers. The committee adopted a title amendment and then reported the bill favorably after debate, with Senator Pizzo raising concerns about consumer reliance and lack of guaranteed coverage.
The committee then approved SB 642 on foreign and alien bail bond insurers, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, and SB 266 on public adjuster contracts. SB 266 would let vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts at any time without penalty; it drew support from consumer and industry groups, with some discussion about estimates and claim work product. The committee also passed SB 832 on residential property insurance transparency, which requires rate transparency reports and a consumer resource center at OIR, and adds a provision excluding land value from homeowners coverage calculations in most cases. Testimony on SB 832 was generally supportive of the transparency goal, though insurers said some of the required cost breakdowns may be difficult to produce as written.
The committee next considered SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which would create a commercial lines clearinghouse to move eligible policyholders into the private market and reduce Citizens’ commercial exposure. Supporters said it would lower taxpayer risk and improve competition; a speaker suggested additional changes to deductibles, water-damage caps, and repair practices. The bill was reported favorably after a delete-all amendment and supportive debate from Senator Boyd. Finally, the committee passed SB 540 on the Office of Financial Regulation, which adds cybersecurity requirements for certain licensees, updates oversight of investment advisers and money service businesses, adjusts some charter and meeting rules for financial institutions and credit unions, and includes amendments clarifying repossession/deficiency claims, family office exemptions, and virtual credit union meetings. The meeting ended with all of the considered bills reported favorably and the committee adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits May 14th, 2025
JLARC I-900 Subcommittee for SAO Performance Audits
Transcript Highlights:
- For the sites Ecology does manage, the agency followed many required and leading practices, but community
- In several cases, the practice was not applicable or the agency did not use it.
- We did note one area of improvement that stood out in particular when reviewing the leading practices
- This was the last leading practice on the slide, conducting the lessons learned evaluation to identify
- It really has been a good opportunity for us to reflect on community engagement practices that we have
Summary:
The I-900 Subcommittee held a public hearing on the State Auditor’s performance audit, Community Engagement During Contaminated Site Cleanups. Auditors said Ecology directly conducts or supervises cleanup at only about 8% of active contaminated sites, while most sites are handled by third parties or have no cleanup plan yet. The audit found that Ecology generally met legal requirements at the sites it oversees, but community engagement varied, was not consistently tailored to local needs, and lacked a systematic “lessons learned” process. Auditors also found inconsistent coordination between Ecology and the Department of Health, and limited guidance for staff on when to collaborate. Tribal feedback was mixed: some tribes said engagement met their needs, while others wanted earlier and more tailored outreach.
Committee members pressed the auditors on why many third-party-managed sites appeared to have little or no public involvement, and whether Ecology has broader authority to require public engagement and oversight. The auditors responded that their review focused on community engagement requirements, not the full cleanup permitting process, and said the gap they identified was the lack of required oversight for third-party engagement. Members also asked about tribal engagement, exposure scenarios, and the meaning of “active” and “planless” sites. Ecology officials said they agreed with many of the findings, were already taking steps to improve community research, lessons-learned reviews, tribal guidance, and coordination with Health, and had recently launched a public email notification system for site status changes. They also said some recommendations would require additional funding or staff resources.
Public testimony supported stronger community engagement and more resources for Ecology. Washington Conservation Action said contaminated sites disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income communities, praised the audit for highlighting the need for better site-specific engagement, and urged full funding for MTCA-related work. The hearing ended with the chair inviting written comments and adjourning the meeting.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Feb 18th, 2025
Business & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- custodian ensures the security of Texas' Bitcoin holdings, protecting. the reserve with industry best practices
- Until I see your corporation, the confusion arises really due to historical practice in foreclosure sales
- You know, anything to do with quality and safety and management practices.
- We have a rule that requires compliance with the Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual as adopted
- Within their scope of practice, unless that action constitutes gross negligence, every combative sports
Keywords:
emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 020 Feb 3rd, 2026
Colorado House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This was simply guidance and best practices.
- This was simply guidance and best practices.
- with current law and current practices with current law and current practices and<00:52:07.520><
- against a true discriminatory practice. against a true discriminatory practice.
- we are taking what was common practice we are taking what was common practice and<01:16:00.880><
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We all know this isn’t how it works in practice. It is real—” “Is not white.
- We all know this isn’t how it works in practice.
- So if you're looking for a template, practice openly and feel safe in the world.
- I'll personally say I did not For lawmakers, a very practical one.
- I have an example of a good practice.
Summary:
The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met for its 11th meeting and approved the minutes from its August 7 meeting. Co-chairs said the commission had recently completed preliminary K-12 recommendations and would continue work on higher education, with additional topics such as workplace issues, the medical sector, and the arts to be addressed before the November 30 reporting deadline. They also said another public comment meeting would be held this fall.
The first testimony came from Dr. Mark Posnansky of Harvard Medical School, who described anti-Semitism affecting STEM, research, and higher education. He said Jewish and Israeli students and faculty reported ostracism, gaslighting, intimidation, discrimination, and hiding Jewish identity, and he urged clear leadership statements, mandatory anti-Semitism education, and stronger reporting and discipline procedures. Commissioners asked about Harvard training, spillover into teaching hospitals, and whether anti-Semitic climates were causing students to leave; he said some students had turned down opportunities because of the environment and that concerns also affected healthcare settings.
Lindsey Gabbo, a Harvard Law student and mother, testified that campus discourse after October 7 had made Jewish and Zionist students feel isolated and unwelcome, with protests, defaced hostage posters, and a student council BDS vote contributing to the climate. She said Harvard had sent some emails acknowledging anti-Semitism but that she had not seen meaningful steps to restore dialogue, and she argued the school needed more structured venues for conversation. Commissioners also asked about campus security, the effect on students’ mental health, and the impact of chants and protests that she said many Jewish students understood as calls to violence.
A panel of concerned Jewish faculty and staff then offered contrasting views. Professor Jeremy Menchick argued the commission should use data carefully, include non-Zionist Jews in its analysis, and avoid reinforcing divisions within the Jewish community. Professor Hilary Lustick described restorative-practice approaches and said structured dialogue could address conflict without immediate punishment. Professor Jonathan Feingold warned that anti-Semitism was being weaponized by the Trump administration and right-wing groups to attack universities and DEI, and he urged the commission not to adopt approaches that could be used to undermine civil rights institutions. Commissioners pushed back on claims that the problem was being exaggerated or reduced to a “problem” rather than a “crisis,” and the discussion ended with continued debate over data, context, and how to balance anti-Semitism concerns with broader civil-rights protections.