Stefanik Critiques CUNY’s Handling of Anti-Semitism
Rep. Elise Stefanik, representing New York’s 21st congressional district, has voiced serious concerns regarding the City University of New York’s (CUNY) approach to anti-Semitism and its faculty connections with Mahmoud Khalil.
During a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing, Stefanik pressed for clarity on why students were made to walk for hours under large graffiti while signing up at Hunter College. In response, CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez claimed that the graffiti was no longer relevant, but he explained that the delay in its removal stemmed from an ongoing investigation by the New York City Police Department’s hate crimes unit.
Stefanik noted that while a university investigation occurred, there was “no actual action” taken concerning the Hunter College Director of Jewish Studies.
The unnamed administrator had sent an email expressing “apologies,” which Stefanik highlighted by sharing a screenshot during the hearing.
In response to rising concerns about a potential mass exit from New York City if Zohran Mamdani were to win in November, Jewish leaders have been emphasizing the perceived threat.
Stefanik also challenged Rodríguez on whether he was aware that CUNY’s Chief Diversity Officer, Sally ABD Alla, previously worked for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Rodríguez distanced himself from the hiring decisions but acknowledged her continued employment at CUNY during the hearing.
“Is it really acceptable?” Stefanik questioned, emphasizing that CAIR has been linked to controversial issues, stating it has connections to Hamas. “And don’t forget, New York taxpayers fund her salary.”
Rodríguez responded, asserting CUNY’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and compliance with policies, adding that any infractions would be investigated.
Stefanik challenged this, asserting that having a senior employee from a controversial organization should breach CUNY guidelines, which she insisted was unacceptable to taxpayers.
As the discussion continued, Stefanik brought up CUNY Clear, describing it as part of the law school’s clinical division. The connection to Khalil, who became known for his anti-Israel activism while a student at Columbia University, was not lost on her. Rodriguez stated he had no knowledge of who leads that program.
Stefanik seemed to be alluding to Professor Ramzi Kassem, the founder of CUNY Clear, who has reportedly been assisting Khalil with legal defense matters. Khalil was detained by ICE earlier in the year, citing claims that his activism could harm U.S. foreign policy. He had been held for over 100 days before a federal judge intervened. Now, he is pursuing damages from the Trump administration.
Highlighting the repercussions for taxpayers, Stefanik expressed concern that public funds might be going toward Khalil’s legal support. She called attention to Khalil’s past actions at Columbia, which included leading protests that allegedly turned violent.
Rodríguez reiterated that the university stands against any form of anti-Semitism. However, Stefanik reminded him of the involvement of faculty in Khalil’s legal matters, questioning the integrity of such decisions.
Rodríguez indicated that decisions about faculty occur at individual campuses, to which Stefanik countered, emphasizing that it ultimately reflects on his leadership.
While Rodríguez committed to investigating allegations of anti-Semitism, he sidestepped questions regarding potential disciplinary actions against faculty associated with Khalil. This prompted Stefanik to voice skepticism, suggesting that no serious consequences would follow, indicating a lack of accountability within the institution.
