University system must create a centralized center for antisemitism, improve complaint processes, implement safety protocols
City University of New York’s antisemitism policies need to be “significantly overhauled,” a former judge said Tuesday.
“As set forth in my report, I believe that CUNY’s current policies and procedures for preventing and addressing antisemitism and discrimination need to be significantly overhauled and updated in order to handle the levels of antisemitism and discrimination that exist on CUNY’s campuses today,” former Chief Judge of New York Jonathan Lippman wrote in his review of the school’s policies.
The 146-page report recommends that CUNY create a centralized center for antisemitism and hate, improve the complaint portal, establish a victim’s advocate position, coordinate safety protocols with law enforcement, provide diversity training, and encourage leadership to denounce hate, among several recommendations.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul requested a review of the university’s policies in October 2023 following increased complaints of antisemitism on campus, according to a news release from the governor.
Lippman stated that while the goal of the review was not to determine whether past incidents at the school constitute antisemitism, “there has been an alarming number of unacceptable antisemitic incidents targeting members of the CUNY community.”
The former judge cited an example in which protesters taunted students about the murder of six hostages by Hamas, made threats of violence, and used “antisemitic tropes.”
“The entire CUNY community, and especially students and faculty, should be trained on CUNY’s policies and procedures and relevant law with respect to antisemitism, discrimination, and the First Amendment,” Lippman wrote.
“After reviewing Judge Lippman’s report, I have directed CUNY to implement his 13 recommendations, which I believe will make a significant impact in preventing and addressing future incidents,” Gov. Hochul stated in a news release.
“Protocols to discipline university employees are a mandatory subject of collective bargaining and must uphold their academic freedom and rights to protected speech under the First Amendment,” James Davis, president of the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY, stated in a news release.
He stated that the university agrees with Lippman that “‘CUNY does not need to formally adopt a definition of antisemitism in order to handle properly antisemitic incidents on its campuses.’”
“Rather than adopting a single definition, our mission to foster critical thinking would be well served by grappling with the varying assumptions, framing and politics that shape the multiple definitions we encounter,” Davis stated.
During the spring semester, the university system faced several disruptive anti-Israel protests, resulting in over $3 million worth of damage, the Daily Caller reported.
MORE: Jewish advocates continue call for sanctions against CUNY law school
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