In a significant move, Tariq Habash, a policy adviser at the Department of Education appointed by the Biden administration, resigned on Wednesday, expressing vehement objection to the administration’s unwavering military support for Israel’s war on Gaza and its handling of the broader repercussions of the conflict.
Habash, who had played a key role in the administration’s efforts to reform the student loan system and address inequalities in higher education, conveyed to The Associated Press that he had exhausted all avenues within the system to register his objections before deciding to step down.
In a statement, Habash emphasized his inability to represent an administration that, in his view, systematically dehumanizes Palestinians and facilitates their ethnic cleansing. He called on President Joe Biden to advocate for a permanent ceasefire in the region.
This marks the second resignation in protest within the Biden administration regarding its stance on the conflict, with State Department veteran Josh Paul resigning in October as the administration increased arms transfers to Israel.
Habash, of Palestinian origin, had been part of a group of administration staffers from diverse backgrounds engaging in meetings with senior White House officials to address concerns about the U.S. role in the conflict. He described these sessions as more like briefings from higher-ups rather than opportunities for staffers to voice their perspectives.
The White House, when questioned about Habash’s resignation, referred inquiries to the Department of Education. A department spokesperson extended well wishes to Habash in his future endeavors.
President Biden and his top officials have consistently defended Israel’s air and ground operations in Gaza, citing self-defense as the primary justification.
The fallout from the Israeli war on Gaza has created ripple effects across U.S. campuses, reigniting debates over free speech. College leaders are grappling with defining the line between political speech and harassment, with concerns raised by both Jewish and Arab students that their schools are not doing enough to protect them.
The Education Department has issued warnings to colleges, emphasizing the obligation to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia on campuses to avoid the risk of losing federal funding.
