Queens, NY - Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation sponsored by Senate Higher Education Chair Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblymember Nily Rozic requiring every New York college and university to designate a Title VI coordinator to receive, investigate, and resolve discrimination complaints under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law directs the New York State Division of Human Rights to develop training and implementation guidance for institutions statewide, building on the Anti-Hate in Education Center launched in 2023. The legislation, passed with bipartisan unanimous support, reflects a collective commitment to combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. It was supported by organizations like AJC, ADL, UJA, Jewish on Campus and StandWithUs. 

Also in attendance were leaders from the UJA-Federation of NY, the NAACP, the Asian American Federation, CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos-Rodriguez, and Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) President Lola W. Brabham.

“I am delighted that the Governor signed landmark legislation that we have passed to protect students from discrimination on our campuses. At a time when we see a troubling rise in hate crimes, New York is taking a clear stand. Too many students’ experiencing discrimination do not know where to go for help or what protection they are entitled to, and everyone has a right to feel safe when they step onto college campuses. Dignity, safety and equal opportunity are not negotiable. I thank Governor Hochul and her staff, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, and advocates and student leaders for making an idea into a reality.” 

— Senator Toby Ann Stavisky 

“With incidents of discrimination and antisemitism on the rise, our students deserve campuses that are safe, inclusive, and accountable. Here, New York is leading in protecting the rights and safety of every student just in time for the start of the school year. Thank you Governor Hochul for prioritizing this issue—her support here continues to shape this first-in-the-nation law. I’m also so grateful for Senator Stavisky’s commitment on this critical legislation.” 

— Assemblywoman Nily Rozic 

"Governor Hochul’s signature on this bill sends a clear message: New York will not stand by as Jewish and other vulnerable students face harassment and discrimination on campus. By requiring Title VI Coordinators at every college, the state is moving from rhetoric to real accountability. This law makes clear that when students speak up about bias, their schools must act. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, Assemblywoman Rozic, and Senator Stavisky for their leadership in protecting students’ rights and creating a safer learning environment across New York." 

— Josh Kramer, Director of AJC New York 

"Too often, students on campuses feel the need to hide parts of their identity to avoid intimidation and harassment. This legislation offers a crucial solution to ensure that colleges and universities are properly resourced to address and combat discrimination and hate on campus. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law and to Assemblywoman Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their leadership on this issue. We deeply appreciate their commitment to ensuring that every college is a place where students are safe, respected, included, and free to learn without fear." 

— Scott Richman, ADL Regional Director for New York and New Jersey 

"UJA-Federation of New York thanks Governor Hochul for signing, and Senator Stavisky and Assemblymember Rozic for championing this critical legislation. Amid a surge in antisemitism, Jewish students have faced unacceptable discrimination and hate on campuses throughout New York. With this new law, students across the state will experience a safer and more inclusive learning environment." 

— Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York 

“Jewish on Campus applauds the passage of Assembly Bill A5449B. All students deserve equal access to a safe learning environment. By ensuring that New York colleges and universities appoint a Title VI coordinator, we are confident that students in New York, including Jewish students, will have an improved learning environment.” 

— Julia Jassey, Jewish on Campus Co-Founder and CEO 

"StandWithUs commends New York Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and Senator Toby Stavisky for introducing SO 4559B/SO4559 and applauds Governor Hochul for signing into law this landmark bill requiring all NY college campuses to have a Title VI coordinator. This is vitally needed legislation as we have seen the horrific number of antisemitic incidents on campuses grow. It will help ensure that antisemitism is properly identified and addressed and offer better protection for our Jewish and pro-Israel students. StandWithUs will continue to work to ensure students have the support they need, and this bill is another powerful tool. We hope that other states follow their lead." 

— Avi Posnick, Executive Director of StandWithUs Northeast and New England 

About the law:

- Every campus must appoint a Title VI anti-discrimination coordinator to handle reports and drive corrective action.

- DHR training and guidance will help institutions implement consistent policies and protect students' rights.

- Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

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