Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson) is joining his colleagues in the Assembly Minority to address the acts of violence and antisemitism on SUNY and CUNY college campuses. The members have introduced the “Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act” (DSA Act) in reaction to the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, which have caused a 400% increase in antisemitic threats. The DSA Act will require every college in New York state to implement an antisemitism training program as well as the following measures:

• Establish and implement a training program for all current and new employees, and require all college and university administrators, faculty, staff and students to attend training seminars;
• Consult with an expert in the areas of antisemitism awareness, prevention and Jewish history and culture to conduct the training;
• Provide information about such policies and procedures to the State Education Department on an annual basis;
• Make information available to the public regarding who to contact with questions regarding the policy and how to report violations of this policy; and
• Failing to comply with the requirements of the legislation would result in withholding of state aid until such requirements are met.

“It is completely unacceptable to have students on college campuses or individuals walking the streets feeling unsafe and worried for their lives,” said Flood. “I am proud to stand with my colleagues and ensure SUNY and CUNY schools take responsibility and stand against antisemitism and hate crimes on their campuses. Hate has no place in this world and it is everyone’s responsibility to come together, which is exactly what the DSA Act will do. Together, we call on Gov. Hochul to implement the mandated training and take a step in the right direction.”