Nys republicans fume as dems kill bill to strengthen protections against college antisemitism

ALBANY – Republican lawmakers are fuming after Democrats moved to block a bill that would give colleges and universities more teeth to combat antisemitism. The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman

Matt Slater (R-Putnam), would update the definition of antisemitism under state education law to match that used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, IHRA. “The first step

in combatting hate is defining it,” Slater told The Post. “It appears Albany Democrats disagree.” The change would make it easier to go after colleges and universities that allow hate to

fester under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, supporters said. “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,” Slater added of Democrats. “They can denounce hate all they want when it’s convenient, but

actions speak louder than words.” EXPLORE MORE Current law protects against discrimination based on ethnicity and religion. But backers of the bill say that more specific language is needed

due to Jewish people’s common classification as an ethnic-religion. The IHRA definition reads:  “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious

facilities.” The bill was considered in the Assembly’s education committee Tuesday but the panel’s chairman, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) said Democrats were rejecting the bill

because they believe interpretation of the Civil Rights Act should be handled by Washington. Benedetto also took issue with the way Slater’s bill was worded. “The ACLU has concerns about

this. Until things are settled federally, I think it’s best for us to hold on to this,” Benedetto said. This drew quick ire from Long Island Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Nassau) who shot back at

Benedetto: “I completely don’t understand anything you said.” “Isn’t New York supposed to be the first when it comes to leadership throughout the country?” Brown said. “And something so

simple to do, isn’t it something we should all take pride in and stand up first? Why are we waiting for the ACLU? You know they’re going to say the opposite of what’s good for the Jewish

people.” The chairman said he said the original wording was intended to “maybe be a guidepost” and not to set a standard definition. That sparked Brown to ask Benedetto to point out what

specific wording he took issue with. After waiting a few seconds while a staffer spoke with the chairman, Brown then quipped,” I thought so.” The education committee ultimately voted to

table the bill, effectively killing any chance of it moving forward before Albany wraps its regularly scheduled legislative session next month. Slater’s bill isn’t the only one that would

put the IHRA definition into statute. Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), has a similar piece of legislation which would apply to all state agencies, including SUNY. Berger defended Heastie

and Assembly Dems’ move. “I have seen the Speaker go to bat for the Jewish people time and time again,” Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens) told The Post. “I believe there are fundamental

disagreements with some members in the legislature on how best to tackle antisemitism, but we have a responsibility to meaningfully address the alarming surge of hate in this state.”