New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, along with the Antisemitism Working Group, expressed disappointment after two bills aimed at protecting Jewish students and addressing antisemitism on college campuses were blocked by Democrat members of the Senate’s Higher Education Committee. These legislative proposals were sponsored by members of the Senate Republican Conference.
The first bill, S.1752, introduced by Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, is known as the “dismantling student antisemitism act” or “DSA act.” This legislation proposed mandatory sensitivity training on antisemitism and required colleges to report complaints and disciplinary actions related to antisemitic incidents.
The second bill, S.1268, presented by Senator Steve Rhoads, sought to prohibit state funding for higher education institutions that allow certain pro-terrorist groups on campus. It also targeted organizations that engage in or promote terrorist activities within these institutions.
Senator Griffo highlighted recent protests at Columbia University and Brooklyn College as evidence of the need for protective measures for students pursuing their education without facing hate-based disruptions. Despite this, legislative majorities in Albany have rejected policies designed to hold accountable those who disrupt campus safety.
“I am disappointed that the Senate Higher Education Committee struck down two bills that would have further protected Jewish students and addressed antisemitism on college campuses across the state,” stated Sen. Griffo. “Students, faculty and staff should feel safe when on campus and should not have to live in fear because of their religion. I will continue to support policies that will prevent, and hopefully eradicate, antisemitism because there is no place for such hatred in New York or anywhere else for that matter.”
