City University of New York (CUNY) is being urged to reform its hate speech policies following a surge in antisemitic incidents on campuses. According to a report by law firm Latham & Watkins, the institution must take immediate action, particularly by updating its complaint system and creating a victim’s advocate program. This report was commissioned by New York Governor Kathy Hochul after the New York Police Department reported a significant rise in antisemitic hate crimes.
Jonathan Lippman, a Latham attorney and the lead author of the report, emphasized the urgency required in responding to these issues, stating that CUNY officials need to significantly overhaul existing policies to better address antisemitism and hate. Statistics from the NYPD indicated a 214% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in October, highlighting the need for immediate and effective measures.
Universities and colleges across the United States have faced similar challenges, necessitating comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The recommendations presented in the Latham report represent a crucial step in addressing these ongoing issues.