Republicans rallied in Albany to push for a bill that would combat anti-Semitism on college campuses, a measure blocked by state Democrats. The legislation would bar any student from receiving tuition assistance who has “knowingly engaged in promoting antisemitism in a manner that incites or produces imminent, lawless action.”
According to the bill’s sponsors, since the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, there has been a nearly 400% surge in anti-semitic incidents, as reported by the Anti-Defamation League. “Many of these occurrences are taking place on university campuses, which have become breeding grounds for anti-semitic discourse,” the Republicans said at the rally.
College campuses have been roiled by students supporting Palestinians and decrying the Jewish State. Students have been threatened by the demonstrators who have blocked access to campus facilities. Walking a fine line between student free speech and unlawful acts, colleges have begun to arrest the protestors.
“How long are we going to allow our taxpayer dollars to fund the anti-semitic rhetoric on college campuses?” Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano (R,C-Medford) asked. “The answer should be obvious: Not a moment longer.”
“Unfortunately, Albany Democrats are silent and are holding common-sense bills such as this one from being passed,” noted Senator Bill Weber, a Republican from Rockland County. “Institutions are doing a poor job of combating hate, which has become more than clear in the past few weeks, seeing the Palestinian flag being raised in place of our red, white, and blue, and the protests that have caused the cancellation of graduations, classes, and other important campus activities.”
Cedarhurst Republican Ari Brown made it clear: “Taxpayers should not be funding antisemitism. We must take swift and decisive action to address this alarming rise in hate and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. I stand by my colleagues in urging the Majority Conference to prioritize the passage of the Combating Campus Anti-Semitism Act to protect the integrity of our educational institutions and stand firmly against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms.”