A bipartisan group of lawmakers calls for action after anti-Israel protest turns violent at Brooklyn College
A group of nine New York City and state lawmakers have demanded that Brooklyn College take immediate action following a violent altercation between anti-Israel protesters and law enforcement on campus, resulting in over a dozen arrests.
The lawmakers, including Councilmembers Inna Vernikov, Farah Louis, Mercedes Narcisse, and Robert Holden, as well as Assemblymembers Kalman Yeger, Lester Chang, Eric Ari Brown, Jamie Williams, and Alec Brook-Krasny, penned a scathing letter to Brooklyn College chancellor Félix V. Matos RodrÃguez expressing their concerns.
The chaos unfolded on Thursday when protesters tried to set up a tent encampment on campus, leading to confrontations with law enforcement. Despite warnings to disperse, the NYPD eventually intervened and made several arrests.
The incident comes in the wake of a 10-month investigation into antisemitism at CUNY schools, which revealed instances of faculty members exacerbating the problem. The lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into the recent events at Brooklyn College and are demanding accountability for those involved.
The lawmakers are also demanding increased security at the school’s Hillel house, where Jewish students gather, and are pushing for stricter measures to prevent future disruptions on campus.
The letter issued to Chancellor Félix V. Matos RodrÃguez requires a response by the end of business on Monday, May 12. Councilmember Inna Vernikov has even gone as far as to call for the chancellor’s resignation if the situation is not addressed promptly.
The incident at Brooklyn College follows a similar protest at Columbia University, where masked demonstrators caused chaos at the Butler library, resulting in multiple arrests and suspensions. The ongoing issue of antisemitism on college campuses has prompted calls for action and accountability.
In light of recent events, lawmakers are urging educational institutions to take a stand against hate and ensure the safety and well-being of all students on campus.
