Nassau Standard

Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference Antisemitism Working Group held a news conference outside Columbia University on Friday, urging their Democratic colleagues to progress with a legislative package aimed at combating antisemitism. The Republicans had unveiled this package over a month ago and are now pressing for its discussion and implementation in the Senate, particularly as there are only 18 working days left of the legislative session.

The proposed legislation includes defining antisemitism within state human rights law, enacting the "New York State Antisemitism Vandalism Act," and creating the "Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act." The latter would introduce antisemitism awareness and prevention sensitivity training for colleges, with potential loss of funding as a consequence for non-compliance.

Senator Jack Martins, who chairs the working group, emphasized that recent events have underscored the need for such measures. "This antisemitism taskforce was set up well before the horrific events of October 7. But those events of October 7 only crystallized the need not only for the task force but the analysis," he said. He added that if ignored by majority leaders, they will continue to press forward.

Senator Steve Rhodes further stressed that any institution permitting antisemitic activities should not receive funding from New York State. He urged his Democratic colleagues to join them in protecting citizens and upholding New York's ideals against hate and intolerance.

Senator Bill Weber introduced a bill to withhold tuition assistance for students involved in antisemitic activities. He believes that financial consequences will lead to increased awareness and action against such behavior. Weber also expressed his confidence that these bills would receive bipartisan support if considered thoughtfully and without prejudice.

However, despite their efforts, the working group has yet to hear a response from majority leaders. Weber attributes this silence to fear of backlash from the progressive wing of the Democratic party.