Combating Antisemitism on College Campuses: A New Era of Protection and Accountability

Introduction: Addressing the Rising Tide of Hate on Campuses

In recent years, college campuses across the United States have witnessed a disturbing surge in antisemitic incidents, creating an unsafe and hostile environment for Jewish students. In response to this growing concern, New York State announced a package of new bills on Monday aimed at combating antisemitism and other forms of hate on college campuses. These bills are designed to hold schools accountable for addressing discriminatory harassment and ensuring compliance with civil rights laws. The legislation is part of a broader effort to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their identity or beliefs.

The ACCESS Act: Strengthening Protections Against Discrimination

The first bill, known as the ACCESS Act, seeks to adjust the legal standard for suing colleges and universities that fail to adequately address discriminatory harassment, including antisemitism. By aligning the legal standard with the 2019 workplace harassment rules, the bill makes it easier for the state to hold schools accountable for allowing hate and bias to go unchecked. This legislation is not limited to antisemitism; it addresses all forms of hate and discrimination, ensuring that students are protected from harassment based on their race, religion, gender, or other identities.

Assembly sponsor Micah Lasher (D-Manhattan) emphasized the importance of proactive measures by colleges and universities to prevent and respond to incidents of harassment and discrimination. "The state of New York must use every tool at its disposal to protect our kids, and that’s what we are doing with this legislation," Lasher said. The bill is also sponsored by state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Queens) in the upper chamber, highlighting bipartisan support for addressing this critical issue.

Ensuring Compliance Through Dedicated Leadership

Another bill in the package, carried by Assemblymember Nily Rozic (D-Queens) and state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens), focuses on strengthening accountability by requiring every college campus to appoint a dedicated Title VI Coordinator. This coordinator will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Rozic explained that this legislation is about more than just compliance—it’s about fostering a safer, more inclusive environment where students can focus on their education without fear of bias or intimidation. "By ensuring every New York college and university has a dedicated Title VI Coordinator, we are reinforcing the fundamental right to an education free from bias and intimidation," she said. This measure is a critical step toward ensuring that schools take concrete actions to protect students from all forms of hate and discrimination.

Community Support and the Urgent Need for Action

The legislative package has garnered strong support from prominent organizations, including the UJA-Federation, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and StandWithUs. These groups have long advocated for stronger protections against antisemitism and other forms of hate on college campuses. Scott Richman, regional director of New York and New Jersey at the ADL, expressed his organization’s gratitude for the sponsors’ leadership, stating, "We have seen an alarming number of antisemitic incidents on college campuses, and it is critical that we have appropriate measures in place to ensure that no student feels unsafe due to their identity."

The urgency of this issue is underscored by recent reports and investigations. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was investigating five universities, including Columbia, for failing to address antisemitic harassment on campus. A recent study also revealed that 72% of Jewish students feel unwelcome on college campuses due to their religious identity, highlighting the pervasive nature of this problem.

A Call to Action: Ensuring a Safe and Inclusive Environment

The introduction of these bills comes at a critical time, as colleges and universities across the nation grapple with how to address the growing wave of antisemitism and other forms of hate. By strengthening legal standards and ensuring accountability, New York State is setting a powerful example for other states to follow. The package of bills not only addresses the immediate need for protection but also sends a clear message that hate and bias will not be tolerated in any form.

As the legislative process moves forward, it is essential for students, parents, educators, and community leaders to remain vocal in their support for these measures. By working together, we can create a future where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive on campus. The fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate is not just about protecting individual rights—it’s about building a society where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a fundamental principle of our education system.