ALBANY – Republican lawmakers are fuming after Democrats moved to block a bill that would give colleges and universities more teeth to combat antisemitism.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Putnam), would update the definition of antisemitism under state education law to match that used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, IHRA.
The change would make it easier to go after colleges and universities that allow hate to fester under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, supporters said.
“The first step in combatting hate is defining it,” Slater told The Post. “It appears Albany Democrats disagree.
“It’s shameful they refuse to take a real stand against antisemitism when they have an opportunity to do so, especially given the significant rise in hate crimes across our state since October of 2023,” he added. “They can denounce hate all they want when it’s convenient, but actions speak louder than words.”
The IHRA definition reads: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
The bill was considered in the Assembly’s education committee Tuesday but the panel’s chairman, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx) said Democrats were rejecting the bill because they believe interpretation of the Civil Rights Act should be handled by Washington.
Benedetto also took issue with the way Slater’s bill was worded.
“The ACLU has concerns about this. Until things are settled federally, I think it’s best for us to hold on to this,” Benedetto said.
This drew quick ire from Long Island Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Nassau) who shot back at Benedetto: “I completely don’t understand anything you said.”
“Isn’t New York supposed to be the first when it comes to leadership throughout the country?” Brown said. “And something so simple to do, isn’t it something we should all take pride in and stand up first? Why are we waiting for the ACLU? You know they’re going to say the opposite of what’s good for the Jewish people.”
The chairman said he said the original wording was intended to “maybe be a guidepost” and not to set a standard definition.
That sparked Brown to ask Benedetto to point out what specific wording he took issue with. After waiting a few seconds while a staffer spoke with the chairman, Brown then quipped,” I thought so.”
The education committee ultimately voted to table the bill, effectively killing any chance of it moving forward before Albany wraps its regularly scheduled legislative session next month.
Slater’s bill isn’t the only one that would put the IHRA definition into statute. Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), has a similar piece of legislation which would apply to all state agencies, including SUNY.
Berger defended Heastie and Assembly Dems’ move.
“I have seen the Speaker go to bat for the Jewish people time and time again,” Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens) told The Post. “I believe there are fundamental disagreements with some members in the legislature on how best to tackle antisemitism, but we have a responsibility to meaningfully address the alarming surge of hate in this state.”
