New York Signs Law Mandating Campus Anti-Discrimination Coordinators

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new law requiring every college campus in New York to appoint Title VI anti-discrimination coordinators to address and prevent discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including antisemitism. These coordinators will serve as points of contact for reporting discrimination, investigating complaints, issuing reports, and providing training and resources to ensure compliance with civil rights protections. The law reflects growing concerns about rising antisemitism and other forms of bias on campuses, particularly following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, and aims to create safer and more inclusive educational environments. This legislation builds on Governor Hochul’s broader anti-hate initiatives, including the establishment of the New York State Anti-Hate in Education Center and enhanced hate crime data collection. The law has received widespread support from Jewish groups, civil rights organizations, and educational leaders, who praise it as a critical step in combating hate and fostering safety across the state's higher education institutions. The mandate aligns with federal Title VI protections and mirrors the existing Title IX coordinator roles focused on sex and gender discrimination.