Senator Martins Decries Latest Incident of Anti-Semitism at CUNY

     “Once again, anti-Semitism is rearing its ugly head on CUNY campuses, this time involving CUNY’s Doctoral Student Council (DSC).                                      

     This Friday, the DSC will be voting on a resolution which calls for a boycott of Israeli colleges and universities and states the organization ‘supports the efforts of Students for Justice in Palestine at CUNY.’  Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is the same group that has been linked to several anti-Semitic incidents at CUNY campuses targeting Jewish students and faculty members.  It’s not an exercise of first amendment rights; it’s hate speech.  But rather than condemning SJP’s actions, DSC is endorsing them wholeheartedly in a coordinated effort.  It’s disgusting and shameful. 

     To add insult to injury, these hate groups are being allowed to continue to organize on our campuses and are funded with our tax dollars.  Their effort to silence any opposition by scheduling the vote for this Friday during the Sabbath, when observant Jews cannot attend to voice their concerns, is no coincidence.

     The CUNY Chancellor has stated he opposes an academic boycott of Israel, but that’s not enough.  CUNY’s leadership needs to denounce this resolution in its entirety and suspend SJP from CUNY campuses now, today. 

    Chancellor Milliken, the time for action is now.  I urge you to send a strong, clear message that there is no place for hate on our campuses.  The world is watching.”