Mohawk Valley Times

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, along with Senators Dean Murray and Peter Oberacker, are calling on Governor Hochul to take action against Columbia University following pro-Hamas protests on its campus. In a letter to the governor, the senators expressed their disappointment and concern over the university's handling of the situation.

Senator Griffo emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for students, stating, “Students, faculty and staff should feel safe when on campus. They should not have to live in fear because of their religion. If New York State is serious about stopping antisemitism, then they should take action to address this issue and prove to New Yorkers that antisemitic and hateful acts will not be tolerated.”

Senator Murray echoed these sentiments, criticizing the university for failing to protect the safety and well-being of its students and faculty. He stated, “The most basic duty of any institution of higher learning is to ensure that every student can safely pursue a higher education, regardless of their race, gender, religion, etc. ... and Columbia University has failed miserably in fulfilling this duty.”

Senator Oberacker also condemned the university's response to the protests, highlighting the need for accountability and a reversal of the current situation. He asserted, “Those who are committing these antisemitic acts need to be punished and the backward logic being implemented at Columbia University needs to be reversed immediately.”

The senators urged Governor Hochul to withhold state funding from Columbia University and to support efforts to remove its tax-exempt status. They stressed the importance of taking action against antisemitism and creating a campus environment that is safe and inclusive for all students and faculty.

The letter signed by Senators Griffo, Murray, and Oberacker outlined their concerns and called for decisive measures to address the situation at Columbia University. The senators emphasized the need for accountability and protection of individuals from hateful acts, urging the governor to take a stand against antisemitism in New York.