In a recent meeting of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, members expressed deep concerns over the glorification of figures associated with terrorism and the Communist Cuban regime within academic institutions. The discussion was sparked by revelations regarding the naming of a student center at the City College of New York after William Morales, a figure linked to the Weather Underground and Cuban revolutionary ideals.

One committee member recounted their personal investigation into the center, which had reportedly been taken down in the early 2000s but was found to be operational years later. After documenting the situation, the member confronted the college, leading to a contentious dialogue about the implications of honoring individuals perceived as terrorists. The college ultimately agreed to remove the name, citing a need for the space for educational purposes, but the process was met with resistance and protests from individuals who were not current students.

The committee highlighted a broader issue of what they termed "willful ignorance" in academia, where the legacy of figures like Che Guevara continues to be romanticized. This sentiment was echoed with references to rising antisemitism in elite universities, suggesting a troubling trend in the ideological climate of higher education.

The meeting concluded with a call for accountability and a reevaluation of how academic institutions engage with historical narratives, particularly those that may glorify violence and undermine democratic values. The committee members emphasized the need for a critical examination of the influences shaping student beliefs and the importance of fostering an educational environment that prioritizes truth and integrity over ideological allegiance.