In a move that has sparked significant disappointment among advocates for combating hate and antisemitism, Assembly Democrats on the Assembly Higher Education Committee voted against a bill known as the “Dismantling Student Antisemitism Act” (DSA Act), introduced by Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square). The proposed legislation aimed to mandate sensitivity training covering antisemitism awareness, prevention, and Jewish culture and history for all students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities. Institutions failing to implement the Act would face ineligibility for state aid.
Ra voiced his dismay over the decision, particularly in light of a reported 400% surge in antisemitism incidents following a terror attack by Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7. He stressed the importance of ensuring a safe, hate-free learning environment for all New Yorkers and criticized the Assembly Majority for their refusal to address the rise in hate crimes and threats on college campuses through educational measures.
“When presented with the chance to confront the documented rise in threats and hate crimes on New York college campuses, the Assembly Majority chose to play politics,” Ra said. “Combatting hate through education and awareness should never be controversial—today’s decision is deeply disappointing,”