Rep. Stefanik Grills CUNY Chancellor on Handling of Antisemitic Incidents

Antisemitic Incidents at CUNY

• 💡 Antisemitic taunts targeting Jewish freshmen, including references to hostages, were reportedly heard at Baruch College.
• ⚠️ Jewish students at Hunter College were allegedly forced to enter a building under a swastika for hours.
• 🔍 An email from Hunter College's Director of Jewish Studies requesting the swastika's removal was met with a response indicating it was "not that simple," raising concerns about the university's response.

CUNY's Response and Investigations

• ❓ Chancellor Matos Rodríguez stated that investigations were conducted and students disciplined in response to the Baruch incidents.
• ⚖️ Regarding the swastika incident, a delay in removal was attributed to the need for an NYPD anti-hate investigation.
• 🚫 When questioned about disciplinary action against the administrator who sent the email, the Chancellor indicated that investigations would occur and appropriate action would be taken, but specific actions were not detailed.

Concerns Over Diversity Officer Hire

• 🎯 CUNY's Chief Diversity Officer, hired in 2021, was previously employed by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).
• 🚩 Stefanik highlighted CAIR's alleged ties to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and questioned the appropriateness of hiring a former employee.
• 💰 The Chancellor stated this individual had no direct responsibility over student or faculty cases but acknowledged the hire was made.

CUNY Clear and Legal Defense Funds

• ❓ The Chancellor expressed unfamiliarity with CUNY Clear, the clinical arm of CUNY School of Law.
• 💰 It was revealed that the founder of CUNY Clear is the head of Mahmud Khalil's legal defense fund.
• 🚩 Stefanik questioned the appropriateness of CUNY funding, through faculty salaries, the legal defense of an individual described as a "chief pro-Hamas agitator."
• 🗣️ The Chancellor reiterated CUNY's zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism and stated that any faculty behavior violating rules would be investigated, with disciplinary action taken if warranted.