Campus Antisemitism Bills Blocked in Albany, Sparking Outcry from Lawmakers

Two proposed bills aimed at combating antisemitism and protecting Jewish students on New York college campuses were blocked in committee last week, prompting frustration from members of the state’s Antisemitism Working Group and Republican lawmakers.

State Sen. Joseph Griffo, ranking member of the Senate Higher Education Committee, joined fellow members of the Antisemitism Working Group in expressing disappointment after Senate Democrats halted progress on both bills during committee proceedings.

The legislation—introduced amid rising tensions and protests at schools like Columbia University and Brooklyn College—was intended to crack down on antisemitic behavior and hold institutions accountable for allowing hate-fueled demonstrations and pro-terrorist rhetoric to take root.

One of the proposals, S.1752, introduced by Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, was titled the “Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act” or “DSA Act.” It would have required colleges and universities to implement mandatory antisemitism sensitivity training and to report any complaints and disciplinary actions related to antisemitism on their campuses.

The second bill, S.1268, sponsored by Sen. Steve Rhoads, aimed to prohibit state funding for any degree-granting institution of higher learning that allows groups promoting terrorist activity to operate on campus. The legislation specifically targeted organizations accused of engaging in or supporting terrorism, raising concerns about growing extremist influence on college grounds.

Griffo condemned the decision to block the bills, citing the need for proactive safeguards for Jewish students who, he argued, are increasingly being targeted amid broader campus unrest. “I am disappointed that the Senate Higher Education Committee struck down two bills that would have further protected Jewish students and addressed antisemitism on college campuses across the state,” he said in a statement. “Students, faculty and staff should feel safe when on campus and should not have to live in fear because of their religion.”

Recent student-led protests in New York and across the country have fueled debate over free speech, antisemitism, and the role of universities in maintaining a safe learning environment. While many demonstrations have centered on international conflicts, lawmakers like Griffo believe those protests have too often crossed the line into hate speech and harassment.

Supporters of the blocked bills argue that schools must do more than issue statements—they must act. That includes equipping students with an understanding of antisemitism’s impact and enforcing policies that prevent extremist or hate-driven groups from gaining a foothold.

Despite the setback, Griffo and others in the Antisemitism Working Group pledged to continue pressing for legislation aimed at protecting Jewish students and promoting accountability within the state’s higher education system. “I will continue to support policies that will prevent, and hopefully eradicate, antisemitism because there is no place for such hatred in New York or anywhere else for that matter,” he said.

As the legislative session continues, the issue is expected to remain a flashpoint in Albany, particularly as tensions on campuses persist. While these two bills may be stalled for now, their sponsors are exploring options to bring them back to the floor in some form.