In response to the growing occurrences of anti-Semitic acts on college campuses, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has joined the Assembly Minority Conference and colleagues Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) and Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) as a co-sponsor of their legislative proposals that mandates New York state colleges to directly address recent concerning incidents. 

The proposed "DSA Act'' (Dismantling Student Anti-Semitism Act) would require students, faculty, and staff to undergo compulsory training and impose an obligation on colleges to annually report their efforts in combating hate, including anti-Semitism. Colleges failing to meet specific requirements would become ineligible for state funding.

“I've said it before and I'll say it again, we as a country and a state need to stand shoulder to shoulder with the country of Israel. We have to defeat these dangerous terrorists who want to bring harm, destruction, and death to freedom loving countries all around the world. There has been a disgusting and horrific rise in antisemitism being led by the democratic socialists all across the country and here in New York state.We have to hold these people accountable and it has to start with our colleges and universities,” said Slater. 

Since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, the Jewish community in New York has seen a significant increase in racial discrimination. According to the Anti-Defamation League, incidents of anti-Semitism have surged by almost 400% following the attacks on Israel. These instances of hatred have become increasingly prevalent on our college campuses.

 “It’s been frustrating to see such blatant antisemitism unravel across our state, especially in places that are supposed to be dedicated to education, learning and free thinking,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). “It’s clear, we must offer an avenue for our universities to track any instances of antisemitism and ensure that they are providing guidance, accountability and transparency. New Yorkers deserve a state free of antisemitism, and our students deserve a college experience free of threats.”

“The rise of antisemitic incidents across New York demands the Legislature take action,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski). “The college experience should be a place for students and faculty to feel safe. Students should be able to fully immerse themselves in their studies while developing personal and professional skills to prepare for a successful career. This bill will require that the entire public university system takes steps to curtail the events we’re seeing now and prevent blatant discrimination in the future.”

Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst) said, “Our college campuses should be bastions of free thought and open debate, not breeding grounds for hate and intolerance. The alarming rise in antisemitic incidents at our institutions of “higher learning” is an affront to the Judeo-Christian values on which this nation was built. The "Dismantling Student Anti-Semitism Act '' is a prudent and accountable measure that will compel our colleges and universities to take a stand against antisemitism and ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish and all students. We must never forget that an attack on any faith is an attack on all faiths.”