Democrats in New York’s legislature have blocked multiple Republican-led bills aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses, igniting fierce criticism from GOP lawmakers who accuse their colleagues of failing Jewish students during a critical time of rising hate crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Assembly Democrats tabled a bill that would have incorporated the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into state education law
- The blocked legislation would have strengthened enforcement under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act on college campuses
- Senate Democrats also rejected two additional Republican bills addressing campus antisemitism, including one that would cut funding to institutions allowing pro-terrorist groups
- GOP lawmakers are outraged by the blockage, citing significant increases in antisemitic incidents since October 2023
- Democratic defenders claim jurisdictional concerns and free speech issues as reasons for opposition
GOP Legislation Blocked by Democratic Committee
Republican frustration is mounting in Albany after Democrats blocked a bill designed to strengthen protections against antisemitism in New York’s colleges and universities. The legislation, sponsored by GOP Assemblyman Matt Slater, sought to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state education law, which would have facilitated stronger enforcement mechanisms under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Assembly’s education committee, led by Democrat Michael Benedetto, effectively killed the bill by voting to table it.
“The first step in combatting hate is defining it,” Said Matt Slater.
Democrats defended their decision by arguing that interpretation of the Civil Rights Act should remain under federal jurisdiction, not state control. They also cited concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding potential infringements on free speech. These justifications have done little to quell Republican outrage, especially as antisemitic incidents continue to surge across New York state campuses.
Senate Republicans Face Similar Roadblocks
The legislative clash extends beyond the Assembly, as Senate Democrats have similarly blocked two bills proposed by the Senate Republican Conference aimed at addressing campus antisemitism. One bill, S.1752, titled the “dismantling student antisemitism act,” would have established mandatory sensitivity training and reporting requirements for antisemitic incidents on college campuses. The second blocked bill, S.1268, proposed prohibiting state funding for institutions that allow pro-terrorist groups to operate on campus—a direct response to recent protests at Columbia University and Brooklyn College.
“It’s shameful they refuse to take a real stand against antisemitism when they have an opportunity to do so, especially given the significant rise in hate crimes across our state since October of 2023.”
Senator Steve Rhoads, a vocal supporter of the Senate legislation, did not mince words when addressing his Democratic colleagues’ decision to block these bills. He characterized their actions as catering to radical activists rather than protecting vulnerable Jewish students, emphasizing that there should be “zero tolerance for antisemitism or hate of any kind” on college campuses that receive taxpayer funding.
Internal Democratic Division
While most Democrats aligned against the Republican proposals, not all party members agree with the leadership’s approach. Assemblyman Sam Berger, who has introduced his own bill to incorporate the IHRA definition into state law for all state agencies, defended Democratic leadership while acknowledging internal disagreements. His more comprehensive legislation would apply to all state agencies, including the State University of New York (SUNY) system, potentially offering an alternative path forward on the issue.
“By rejecting these bills, Senate Democrats have made it clear that they are out of touch with reality and more interested in appeasing radical activists and terrorist sympathizers than protecting Jewish students from hate and harassment. It’s just common sense. There should be zero tolerance for antisemitism or hate of any kind on our college campuses—especially when funded by New York taxpayers. I will always stand up against hate and keep fighting to ensure that every student can learn in a safe, respectful environment,” Said Senator Steve Rhoads.
As tensions continue to escalate between the parties on this issue, the Republican conference has pledged to maintain pressure for legislative action. With antisemitic incidents showing no signs of abating on college campuses, and with the current legislative session drawing to a close, the political fallout from these blocked bills is likely to extend well beyond Albany. For now, Jewish students across New York’s higher education institutions will continue to navigate campus environments without the additional protections Republicans sought to provide.
