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CUNY’s Leadership Fails to Combat Campus Anti-Semitism – It’s Time for Change
Anti-Semitism has no place in higher education—or anywhere else. Yet the inability of CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez to provide clear, substantive answers about how the City University of New York (CUNY) system is addressing rampant anti-Semitism on its campuses demonstrates a shocking failure of leadership. His recent testimony before the City Council, as detailed in The New York Post, not only highlighted his lack of preparedness but also underscored his disregard for the gravity of the problem.
Antisemitism has surged across college campuses, and CUNY has been no exception. Jewish students have reported harassment, intimidation, and discrimination—ranging from offensive comments to outright hostility. Yet when Chancellor Matos Rodríguez was asked how his administration has addressed these issues, his responses were woefully insufficient. According to The New York Post, he failed to provide basic statistics about complaints, disciplinary actions, or even the types of anti-Semitic incidents occurring on campus. This lack of preparedness is not just embarrassing—it is a betrayal of the Jewish students and faculty who rely on CUNY to protect them.
CUNY Queens College – antisemite identified as Anas Shuaib screams at Jews to “go back to Poland, go back to Germany”.
What will happen to this vile Jew hater? Absolutely nothing thanks to the pathetic leadership of CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos-Rodriguez. pic.twitter.com/Xrj3AvflLQ
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 28, 2023
Instead of offering concrete solutions, the chancellor defaulted to vague platitudes about “promoting dialogue.” Dialogue is undoubtedly important, but it cannot be the only response to hate crimes and systemic discrimination. Jewish students need more than hollow reassurances—they need action. By failing to articulate a comprehensive plan or even demonstrate a basic understanding of the problem, Matos Rodríguez has shown he is unfit to lead the CUNY system.
Judge Jonathan Lippman’s report provided a clear roadmap for addressing anti-Semitism at CUNY, including overhauling the system for reporting such incidents. Yet, as The New York Post noted, it is unclear whether the chancellor or his deputies have even read the report in its entirety. How can meaningful change occur if the leadership fails to engage with expert recommendations?
Adding insult to injury, Matos Rodríguez left the City Council hearing before listening to Jewish students testify about the anti-Semitism they have endured. This disregard for their experiences speaks volumes about his priorities—or lack thereof. Leadership requires listening, empathy, and accountability, none of which the chancellor demonstrated.
Group of Arab men savagely assault a JEWISH man at CUNY.
📸 @realDailyWire pic.twitter.com/YgOPaFfYt7
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 1, 2024
CUNY’s anti-Semitism crisis is not limited to its students. According to The New York Post, faculty members have also been implicated in creating a hostile environment. Yet the chancellor could not identify any disciplinary actions taken against faculty or students for anti-Semitic behavior. This inaction perpetuates a culture where hate can thrive unchecked.
Council Member Kalman Yeger pointed out that CUNY, with its $4.2 billion budget and $500,000 in dedicated funding to combat hate, has the resources to address these issues. The problem is not a lack of money—it is a lack of will and leadership. The chancellor’s request for “additional resources” to investigate complaints is nothing more than an excuse for inaction.
The failures at CUNY extend beyond the chancellor. The board of trustees, appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, must also be held accountable. They bear responsibility for the chancellor’s appointment and for the institution’s failure to address anti-Semitism effectively. If they cannot ensure CUNY is a safe and inclusive environment for all students, they too should be replaced.
Leadership changes are necessary not just for symbolic reasons but to rebuild trust with Jewish students, faculty, and the broader community. As The New York Post rightly argues, Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams must prioritize finding leaders who are committed to tackling anti-Semitism head-on.
CUNY has a storied history as an institution that champions diversity and opportunity. But its current leadership is failing to uphold those values. Chancellor Matos Rodríguez’s inability—or unwillingness—to confront campus anti-Semitism undermines the very mission of the university. Whether his shortcomings stem from contempt for the City Council or indifference to the plight of Jewish students, the result is the same: he cannot continue to lead.
The time for change is now. Jewish students deserve more than empty promises; they deserve a campus environment free from hate and harassment. It is incumbent upon CUNY’s trustees—and the leaders who appoint them—to ensure that the university system’s next chapter is one of accountability, action, and inclusion.
