Tensions on our college campuses have risen to unsustainable levels, and without targeted, immediate action, I fear what further escalation might look like. Protests over the conflict in the Middle East have created dangerous conditions, especially for our Jewish students who are fearful to go to class, visit family, or leave their dorms at all. […]
Tensions on our college campuses have risen to unsustainable levels, and without targeted, immediate action, I fear what further escalation might look like. Protests over the conflict in the Middle East have created dangerous conditions, especially for our Jewish students who are fearful to go to class, visit family, or leave their dorms at all.
Protesting violence by creating an atmosphere of fear is both hypocritical and un-American, yet that is exactly what we have seen in recent weeks at institutions across our country and most recently at Columbia University. Tensions on campus have become so toxic it is virtually impossible to move about the campus without risk of intimidation or worse.
College is supposed to be where young minds meet to share ideas, learn, and prepare for a career. That is the furthest thing from what our reality is here in New York.
Antisemitism on college campuses has been a growing problem. In November, I sounded the alarm after incidents at Cornell University and in our City University of New York schools shook our higher-education system. Now, we are approaching even more dangerous levels of hatred. As a legislative body, we must intervene.
To that end, Assemblyman Ed Ra (R–Franklin Square) has spearheaded the charge to enact the “Dismantling Student Antisemitism (DSA) Act,” which would require comprehensive sensitivity training for students, faculty, and staff and establish critical reporting requirements for higher-education institutions.
Colleges who fail to take necessary steps to reduce antisemitism would lose access to state funding. This legislation needs to move forward, and the fact that it has been repeatedly stalled by Democrats represents a stunning lack of awareness or empathy to the hardships Jewish students are facing on campus.
The rising level of threats and violence on college campuses is a danger to everyone. Racism and hatred are not partisan considerations, and they have no place here. I understand protesting the conflict abroad and people have a right to express their opinions. What I do not understand or condone is fostering an environment of hatred, danger and disruption under the guise “peaceful protests.” I call on the leadership of these universities, their staff, faculty, and students to do better. The safety of our communities depends on it.
William (Will) A. Barclay, 55, Republican, is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 120th New York Assembly District, which encompasses all of Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties.
Will Barclay
