Senator Bill Weber Joins Charge Against Antisemitism Surge in New York Colleges

By Rockland Daily Staff

In response to the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents on college campuses across New York State, a coalition of state senators, joined by Senator Bill Weber, is spearheading a series of legislative efforts aimed at combating this troubling trend.

During a press conference titled "Hate Has Consequences," held at the New York State Capitol, Senator Weber, along with Senator Steve Rhoads and Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican Conferences, unveiled a set of proposed bills designed to address the surge in antisemitism within the state's educational institutions.

The proposed legislation includes measures to withhold state funding from any degree-granting higher education institution found to permit the presence of specific pro-terrorist groups on campus, as well as any organization that promotes or engages in terrorist activities. Additionally, it introduces new criminal offenses related to the deceptive wearing of masks and restricts state funding for colleges where instructional staff members are found to directly or indirectly support terrorist organizations through on-campus activities.

Senator Weber emphasized the urgent need for these legislative measures, saying: “The Republican conference has diligently conducted our research. We convened an Antisemitism Working Group, meticulously collected data, and published a comprehensive report detailing our findings. Furthermore, we've taken proactive steps by introducing legislation aimed at tackling Antisemitism head-on. It's imperative for moderate Democrats within the majority conference to either collaborate with us in this crucial fight against hatred or present their initiatives. It's time for them to finally break free from the radical progressives within their ranks," stated Senator Weber.