Murphy Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Unlawful Campus Protests

Greenville, NC — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. issued the following statement after introducing the Education Not Agitation Act, legislation to eliminate tax benefits for individuals who commit criminal offenses while protesting at institutions of higher education.

"Institutions of higher education are entrusted to cultivate robust world views,"  said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D."Unfortunately, many prestigious universities in America have become bastions of hateful ideology and criminal behavior. The First Amendment is sacred, and I encourage students to exercise their right to freedom of speech and assembly. However, protests on college campuses should remain peaceful and lawful. Those who abuse their privilege and disregard the law should not benefit from the tax benefits we have in place to financially help folks further their education."

Background
This legislation disqualifies individuals who are convicted of certain criminal offenses from receiving education related tax benefits including the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, and the deduction on student loan interest. 

Specifically, if an individual is convicted of unlawful assembly, rioting, trespassing, vandalism, battery, or battery on a law enforcement officer while conducting a protest at an institute of higher education, they will be disqualified from receiving these tax benefits.