Says it Still Awaits “Tangible Results” From CUNY Task Force on Anti-Semitism

New York, NY, March 29, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed concern over attempts by the New York Senate to use anti-Semitic incidents at the City University of New York (CUNY) as a pretext to defund the system as the “wrong solution to a real problem.”

On March 14, the New York State Senate voted to shift $485 million in annual operating costs for the senior colleges of CUNY back to New York City, which could have a devastating impact on CUNY’s budget. Legislators claimed they were doing so because they felt that the system had not adequately responded to several anti-Semitic incidents on some of its campuses.

Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director, issued the following statement:

We have long been concerned about anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias on many of CUNY’s campuses, which has made many students, their families and the greater community feel anxious and troubled. From a professor being referred to by a student as a ‘Zionist pig,’ to student groups invoking anti-Semitic stereotypes, to anti-Jewish vandalism adorning the walls of some schools, it goes without saying that such incidents should be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly.

In the wake of these disconcerting events, we were pleased when CUNY Chancellor James Milliken and his administration took appropriate steps to probe these anti-Semitic claims by establishing a campus climate task force to review the allegations. CUNY leadership should be commended for recognizing that there is a problem that threatens its values of inclusivity. We expect the task force to meet and promptly offer tangible results, and stand ready to help in this process.

The New York State Senate leadership’s approach to defund CUNY is the wrong solution to a real problem. We are glad the Senate leadership reacted to this troubling phenomenon, but the mode is ineffective. The way to address anti-Semitic incidents at CUNY is to deal with them head on, and to work actively to create a welcoming and inclusive community. Defunding the system will not solve the issue of anti-Semitism, but rather simply punish students, regardless of their actions – positive or negative.

Access to higher education helps to address inequities that still persist in society more than half a century after the Civil Rights movement. It also brings together people of all different backgrounds and races, helping them to break down barriers and challenge preconceived notions about others. This approach by the Senate leadership would only hinder access to higher education and does not solve the core problem in question.

We are pleased that Governor Cuomo has indicated that he intends to ensure that New York State will fully fund the entire $1.6 billion in government operating costs for CUNY. We hope the New York State Senate leadership will reconsider and decide to fully fund CUNY following through on Governor Cuomo’s recommendations as the budget goes through the approval process.

For years, CUNY has made a university education accessible to students who otherwise might not be able to earn a college degree. Almost four in 10 CUNY students come from a household that earns less than $20,000 per year. More than three quarters of students are people of color, more than a third of students were born outside the United States, and more than 40 percent are the first in their family to go to college.

 

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