The City University of New York (CUNY) is facing criticism from Governor Kathy Hochul who commissioned an independent probe that found widespread antisemitism within its faculty and higher-ups. According to widely respected retired state Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, there has been a troubling number of antisemitic incidents targeting members of the CUNY community. The study highlighted that some professors were actively stirring up divisiveness instead of promoting dialogue and peaceful discussion. Furthermore, it criticized CUNY’s college presidents for their weak leadership in combatting the issue due to concerns over potential damage to their campuses’ reputation.
The independent report, prepared by Lippman and associates at his law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, provided 13 recommendations to help combat antisemitism on campus. These include establishing a center focused solely on antisemitism and discrimination, hiring an antisemitism monitor, starting a victims’ advocate program, replacing the flawed central portal system for reporting complaints, requiring mandatory training for diversity officers investigating discrimination claims, and setting clear policies about where protests can take place without disrupting Jewish students.
Governor Hochul expressed her support for these recommendations and urged all colleges and universities in New York State to review them as a guide to help ensure that their campus community is safe and welcoming for people of every faith and background. CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez stated that the university will implement many of the report’s recommendations, recognizing the need to redouble efforts in creating an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
