BDS Group at SUNY Launches Anti-Israel Campaign: Examining the Controversy

By:  Hal C Clarke

In recent weeks, the State University of New York (SUNY) system has found itself embroiled in a heated debate sparked by the actions of a group identifying itself as “SUNY BDS.” This organization, which claims to represent all 64 branches of SUNY, has come under fire for its dissemination of anti-Israel propaganda without official authorization.

Operating under the banner of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement, SUNY BDS has generated significant controversy with its inflammatory messaging and calls for action against Israel.

At the heart of the controversy lies the BDS movement’s core tenets, which accuse Israel of occupation and colonization while advocating for economic measures aimed at isolating the country. SUNY BDS has fully embraced these sentiments, adamantly refusing to acknowledge Israel’s sovereignty and instead portraying it as a “murderous settler colonial and genocidal state project.”

The group’s rhetoric, filled with charged language and accusations, has raised alarm bells among both university officials and the broader community. Despite receiving limited coverage in campus news outlets, SUNY BDS’s activities remained largely unchecked until a recent inquiry by The Post brought the issue to the forefront. Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration, which had previously refrained from commenting on the matter, issued a statement condemning the group’s actions and reaffirming the state’s commitment to combatting antisemitism.

In response to The NY Post’s inquiry, SUNY lawyers promptly sent a cease-and-desist letter to SUNY BDS, admonishing the group for its unauthorized use of SUNY’s intellectual property. The letter, accompanied by a stern warning of legal consequences, demanded an immediate halt to the group’s activities under SUNY’s name and trademarks. SUNY representatives underscored the institution’s unwavering support for Israel and its unwavering stance against antisemitism.

Critics have not hesitated to question Governor Hochul’s handling of the situation, citing concerns about her perceived lack of moral conviction in addressing antisemitism. Simultaneously, SUNY BDS has directed its ire not only at Israel but also at SUNY and Governor Hochul herself. In a particularly contentious move, the group accused the governor of attempting to impede the formation of a chapter of the Students for Justice in Palestine organization on SUNY campuses.

Adding fuel to the fire, SUNY BDS circulated a letter demanding divestment from Israel, which garnered thousands of signatures, including several anonymously. The letter, rife with allegations of SUNY’s complicity in Israel’s alleged oppression of Palestinians, sought to rally support for the BDS cause within the SUNY community. Despite repeated attempts to engage with SUNY BDS, the group has remained steadfastly unresponsive to inquiries from The Post.

As the controversy continues to unfold, SUNY finds itself grappling with the complexities of navigating sensitive geopolitical issues within its academic institutions. The SUNY BDS saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges universities face in upholding principles of free speech and academic integrity while simultaneously ensuring an inclusive and respectful campus environment. Moving forward, SUNY and its stakeholders must remain vigilant in safeguarding these values while fostering constructive dialogue and understanding among all members of the university community.