Suffolk Senators Murray and Palumbo Raise Alarm Over Anti-Law Enforcement Rhetoric of Stony Brook Professor

Senators Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) and Dean Murray (R,C-Patchogue) today raised the alarm on anti-police rhetoric by Stony Brook University Professor Anna Hayward after she criticized Suffolk Police for “murdering” a knife-wielding attacker who stabbed two officers.    

“I am very dismayed that this dangerous, anti-police rhetoric is coming from a State University Professor right here in Suffolk County,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo. “The radical and out-of-touch thinking behind this social media post is the type of irresponsible language that puts our men and women in uniform in greater danger and makes our entire community less safe.”  

“I find it extremely irresponsible and offensive that Professor Hayward is trying to turn this situation around as to insinuate it was the police officers who did something wrong.  Professor Hayward has every right to express her opinions on her personal social media outlets, however as an employee of a state, taxpayer funded university, she should not be using her position of authority to spread her dangerous, anti-police rhetoric to her students.  The classroom is no place for her personal, misguided agenda and verbal attacks on our law enforcement officials. Stony Brook University needs to review Professor Hayward’s conduct both in the classroom and on campus to ensure that the students are receiving an education and not an indoctrination,” said Senator Dean Murray. 

The professor's anti-cop social media posts were made as three of the officers were being treated at Stony Brook University Hospital, one with life threatening injuries.   

“My primary concern is for our injured police officers. My thoughts are with them, their families and their colleagues as we are all praying for their full and speedy recovery,” said Senator Palumbo. “However, I am also concerned that Professor Hayward is using her platform at the college to promote anti-law enforcement rhetoric. Our public tax dollars shouldn’t be used to fuel hate speech against any group of New Yorkers—especially our men and