Jewish students at the City University of New York recalled horrific acts of anti-Semitism at a City Council hearing Monday as the school's president came under fire over his handling of hate on campus.
City University President Félix V. Matos Rodriguez said after an independent report found the public university needed to overhaul its policies to combat an “alarming” number of anti-Semitic incidents. He was criticized by lawmakers for providing few details about his actions.
“We aim to be a safe and welcoming city university for all students. If the data doesn’t exist, or if the data exists but isn’t being shared, or if the data isn’t ready, It makes the conversation very difficult,” said Councilman Eric Dinowitz (D-Bronx), chairman of the Higher Education Committee. I was scolded.
For example, Rodriguez could not say how many complaints have been received from students or faculty, or whether any faculty or staff have been disciplined.
“It's completely unsatisfactory. Just showing up is not enough,” fumed Councilwoman Julie Menin (D-Manhattan), also a member of the committee.
The report, commissioned by Governor Cathy Hochul and conducted by former New York Chief Justice Jonathan Lippman, made 13 points, including revamping the grievance system, hiring practices, and training for diversity officers and professors. The recommendation was submitted to City University.
The report, released in September, includes recommendations including working with law enforcement and security experts to ensure students feel safe and developing a clear definition of anti-Semitism. is also included.
Students testifying at Monday's hearing implored City College to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism: Rhetorical and physical expressions of anti-Semitism are directed against Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, Jewish community organizations, and religious institutions. ”
Students recalled the fear they felt when protests erupted on campus in the aftermath of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
“Just because I shouted anti-Semitism at one of their protests, they publicly branded me a perpetrator of genocide,” one student said.
“All I ask is that Jewish students be treated with the same respect and dignity that is given to other students.”
Another student, who was told to remove his Star of David necklace on campus, said returning to school from a trip from Israel was “a nightmare.”
“I understand that safety at school cannot be guaranteed.”
Rodriguez said plans are underway to revamp the school's grievance system and are considering expediting its rollout through an emergency procurement process for contracts.
He also highlighted other steps the 25-campus university system has taken, including hiring private security, launching an incident management system, student surveys, and an inclusion campaign.
The president said a “free speech task force” would clarify the school's policy on free speech.
“There are certainly tensions and challenges, but we have rules and regulations in place for investigations and we will not hesitate to enforce them.”
New York state, which has received $975,381 in aid from the city and $2.1 billion from the state, has seen a spate of anti-Semitic incidents since the Hamas attack and the ensuing Gaza war, including anti-Israel demonstrators being attacked by terrorists. It also includes a video mocking Jewish students for being taken hostage by the organization. October 7, 2023.
Administrators at Baruch College, City University of New York, recently came under fire for telling students they could not “guarantee their safety” if they continued with the Sept. 26 event celebrating the Jewish New Year.
