Questioning Universities’ Tax-Exempt Status Over Their Middle East Views Is Dangerous

House Ways & Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO) has questioned the tax-exempt status of universities that, in his opinion, are anti-Israel. Whatever your views on the Middle East, Smith is swimming in very dangerous waters.

There are serious questions about the tax treatment of colleges and universities. But do we want to see their tax-exemption called into question, even implicitly, by politicians who disagree with their views on public issues? Would Smith be OK if a future Democratic-controlled Congress lifts the tax-exemption of conservative colleges for ideological reasons?