ALBANY, NY — The Senate Higher Education Committee yesterday advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R- Malverne) aimed at increasing accountability in addressing antisemitism on college campuses, but rejected a separate measure that would have prohibited taxpayer funding for institutions that permit terrorist organizations on campus.

The committee considered two measures aimed at strengthening campus safety and addressing acts of hatred:

> S.1752 (Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick) Enacts the "dismantling student antisemitism act,” or "DSA act;" includes reporting requirements regarding antisemitism complaints and disciplinary processes.

> S.722 (Senator Rhoads) Prohibits funding for SUNY, CUNY or community colleges which, directly or indirectly, permit terrorist organizations on campus.

Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s bill, S.1752 passed the committee, however the committee rejected S.722, despite unanimous Senate Republican support.

“While I am encouraged that my bill, S.1752, was advanced out of the Higher Education Committee today, the work is far from finished. Addressing antisemitism on our campuses cannot remain bottled up in the Codes committee for the remainder of session, it must come to the floor for a full vote so we can ensure our higher education institutions are held fully accountable. Our Jewish students deserve to feel safe and respected, and I will continue pushing until these protections are enacted,” said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

“However, I am deeply disappointed that Senator Rhoads’ bill was not advanced today. Preventing taxpayer dollars from supporting institutions that tolerate terrorist organizations should not be controversial. At a time when Jewish students are facing real threats, we should be doing everything possible to draw clear lines and protect them,” she added. “Albany Democrats have ignored these bills, even as antisemitism and violence on some campuses have surged, and that continued inaction in the face of disturbing hate crimes is unacceptable,” she continued.

Assembly Republican Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), who sponsors the Assembly companion to S.1752, also weighed in:

“I’m encouraged to see movement on the DSA Act, but passing just one of these bills is not enough,” Ra said. “We need a comprehensive approach that acts on all fronts. The DSA Act improves accountability after incidents occur, but restricting funding to institutions that allow this behavior addresses the root of the problem. When there are real consequences, campuses will be far more proactive in preventing hatred rather than reacting to it. I will continue to fight for the increased safety of our Jewish students.”

Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick concluded, “Members of the Senate Republican Conference have long advocated for safety on our college campuses, as well as advancing comprehensive legislation to ensure the protection and security of our Jewish neighbors.”