Greenville Reporter

North Carolina State Representative Gregory F. Murphy has introduced the Education Not Agitation Act, which aims to "eliminate tax benefits" for individuals committing "criminal offenses" during campus protests. Murphy made this announcement in an October 18 post on X.

"I am proud to introduce the Education Not Agitation Act to eliminate tax benefits for those who commit criminal offenses while protesting on college campuses," said F. Murphy. "Those who disregard the law should not benefit from the tax benefits meant to help students financially."

According to a press release by Murphy, the legislation seeks to revoke tax benefits for individuals convicted of specific criminal offenses during protests at colleges and universities. The act targets those found guilty of unlawful assembly, rioting, trespassing, vandalism, or battery—including offenses against law enforcement—by disqualifying them from receiving education-related tax credits.

Rep. Greg Murphy's post | X

Murphy said, "Institutions of higher education are entrusted to cultivate robust world views." He expressed concern that many prestigious universities in America have become "bastions of hateful ideology and criminal behavior." He emphasized the importance of the First Amendment and encouraged students to exercise their right to freedom of speech and assembly. However, he noted that 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," said Murphy.

Murphy is currently serving his third term representing North Carolina’s Third Congressional District, which encompasses significant regions of Eastern North Carolina. He holds key positions on several committees including the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and the Committee on House Administration. Additionally, he co-chairs the House GOP Doctors Caucus. With academic honors from Davidson College and the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine, he is noted as the sole practicing surgeon among current congressional members.