Albany Democrats block a crucial antisemitism bill that would have provided stronger protections for Jewish students at New York colleges, rejecting the IHRA definition while campus tensions continue to escalate.
Key Takeaways
- Democrats in Albany killed a Republican-sponsored bill that sought to incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism into state education law
- The blocked legislation would have triggered protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to combat antisemitism on college campuses
- Republicans argue the bill is urgently needed due to rising antisemitic incidents since October 2023, while Democrats claim federal authorities should manage Civil Rights Act interpretations
- Senate Democrats also blocked two additional bills aimed at addressing campus antisemitism, including mandatory sensitivity training and funding restrictions
- The legislative roadblock comes amid ongoing protests and tensions at New York institutions including Columbia University and Brooklyn College
Democrats Block Critical Antisemitism Protections
In a move that has outraged Republican lawmakers, Democrats in the New York State Assembly have effectively killed legislation designed to strengthen protections against antisemitism on college campuses. The bill, sponsored by Republican Assemblyman Matt Slater, would have updated the state’s education law to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This change would have facilitated action against educational institutions under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, providing much-needed protections for Jewish students facing discrimination and harassment at New York colleges and universities.
“The first step in combatting hate is defining it,” Said Matt Slater.
Assembly Democrats, led by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, rejected the measure in the education committee, effectively tabling it for the current legislative session. They claimed the interpretation of the Civil Rights Act should be managed at the federal level rather than by state governments. Democrats also cited concerns raised by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) about potential constitutional issues with the bill. This decision comes at a time when antisemitic incidents have surged across New York campuses since October 2023, leaving many Jewish students feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
Republicans Demand Action Against Rising Campus Antisemitism
Republican lawmakers have expressed frustration and disappointment over the Democrats’ decision to block the antisemitism bill. Assemblyman Ari Brown publicly questioned why New York should wait for federal guidance or defer to the ACLU’s concerns when Jewish students are facing increasing hostility on campuses throughout the state. The urgency for action has been highlighted by ongoing protests at several New York institutions, including Columbia University and Brooklyn College, where Jewish students have reported feeling threatened and intimidated due to anti-Israel demonstrations.
“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.”
A similar bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Sam Berger, also aims to incorporate the IHRA definition into state law, applicable to all state agencies including the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Despite the contentious debate, Berger defended Democratic leadership, acknowledging disagreements on how to address antisemitism while emphasizing the need to tackle rising hate crimes. This attempt at bipartisanship has done little to quell Republican concerns about the immediate dangers facing Jewish students across New York campuses.
Senate Democrats Block Additional Anti-Antisemitism Measures
The rejection of Slater’s bill is not an isolated incident. Senate Democrats have also blocked two additional bills aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. These measures, sponsored by members of the Senate Republican Conference, included S.1752, the “dismantling student antisemitism act,” which would have mandated sensitivity training and reporting requirements for antisemitic incidents on campuses. The second bill, S.1268, aimed to prohibit state funding for institutions that allow pro-terrorist groups to operate on campus—a direct response to concerns about radical anti-Israel activism.
“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.
While Democrats have defended their position by citing technical and jurisdictional concerns, Republicans argue that these reasons are merely excuses to avoid taking a strong stance against antisemitism. The Senate Republican Conference has expressed a continued commitment to protecting vulnerable students and ensuring that New York campuses remain free from hate and discrimination. However, without Democratic support, their legislative efforts to combat antisemitism face significant obstacles in the Democrat-controlled legislature.
