CUNY Faces Criticism Over Antisemitism Response

During a City Council hearing, CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez faced significant criticism from council members for his failure to articulate effective measures against antisemitism on campus, particularly following an independent report that highlighted an alarming rise in such incidents. Council members expressed frustration over CUNY's lack of data on reported complaints and actions taken against offenders, with Councilwoman Julie Menin calling the responses 'wholly unsatisfactory'. The report, commissioned by Governor Kathy Hochul, recommended an overhaul of the university's discrimination policies, including the establishment of clearer guidelines for reporting and addressing antisemitism. In response, Matos Rodríguez announced plans for a free speech task force aimed at balancing the university's commitment to free expression with the need to combat hate. However, concerns linger regarding the safety of Jewish students and the effectiveness of current policies, as highlighted by testimonies from students who experienced harassment. Overall, the hearing underscored the urgent need for CUNY to improve its handling of hate incidents and foster a safer campus environment for all students.