Republican Lawmakers Upset as Democrats Block Bill to Combat Antisemitism
ALBANY – Republican lawmakers are angry after Democrats decided to block a bill that aimed to give colleges and universities more power to fight against antisemitism.
The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Putnam), sought to update the definition of antisemitism in state education law to align with the definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, IHRA.
This change would make it easier to take action against colleges and universities that tolerate hate under Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to supporters.
“The first step in combatting hate is defining it,” Slater stated. “It seems that 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 bill was discussed in the Assembly’s education committee on Tuesday, but the committee’s chairman, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto (D-Bronx), stated that Democrats were rejecting the bill because they believe the interpretation of the Civil Rights Act should be handled at the federal level.
Benedetto also raised concerns about the wording of Slater’s bill.
“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 decision sparked a quick response from Long Island Assemblyman Ari Brown (R-Nassau), who disagreed with Benedetto’s stance.
“Isn’t New York supposed to be a leader in the country?” Brown questioned. “And something so simple to do, isn’t it something we should all take pride in and stand up for 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 clarified that the original wording was meant as a “guidepost” and not as a standard definition.
The education committee ultimately decided to table the bill, effectively ending any chance of it progressing before the end of the legislative session next month.
Slater’s bill is not the only one aiming to incorporate the IHRA definition into state law. Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens) has a similar piece of legislation that would apply to all state agencies, including SUNY.
Berger defended Heastie and Assembly Dems’ decision.
“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.”
