New York, NY, November 13, 2015 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today commended the administration of the City University of New York (CUNY) for issuing a statement which made clear that “invoking discriminatory language reeking of thinly veiled bigotry, prejudice, anti-Semitism or other behavior” is inconsistent with its mission.

The CUNY statement was issued by Frank Sanchez, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs regarding the disturbing rhetoric from the New York City chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The group invoked anti-Semitic stereotypes by referring to those who run CUNY as a “Zionist administration” in the lead up to the Million Student March, a national day of protest over tuition fees, student debt and wages for campus workers with over 100 universities and colleges participating.

“We commend CUNY for stepping up to the plate and making clear that the anti-Semitic rhetoric espoused by SJP has absolutely no place on its campuses,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “We can appreciate CUNY’s affirmation of First Amendment Rights, but at the same time reiterating that hateful language is unacceptable.”

ADL noted that SJP is the primary organizer of anti-Israel events on campuses across the country, and the group most responsible for bringing divestment resolutions to votes in student governments.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY