Albany, New York – In response to an alarming rise in antisemitism and discrimination on college campuses, particularly targeting Jewish and other marginalized students, legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Queens) and State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) has passed the New York State Legislature unanimously with bipartisan support.

The legislation A5448B/S4559B requires every college and university in New York to designate a Title VI Coordinator: a centralized official responsible for enforcing civil rights protections under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and corresponding state laws. Coordinators would lead institutional efforts to respond to discrimination based on race, color, and national origin, ensuring that student complaints are addressed promptly and effectively. The legislation also directs the New York State Division of Human Rights to develop training programs to support these efforts as needed.

The legislation comes in response to a concerning rise in incidents of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on college campuses. According to a 2024 report by the American Jewish Committee, 35% of Jewish college students have experienced antisemitism, with over 30% feeling unsafe at campus events. The new law would address these issues by providing a clear reporting pathway and ensuring accountability.

The legislation also comes at a critical time, as 60 colleges and universities () across the United States – including eight in New York– are currently under federal investigation for antisemitic discrimination and harassment. These investigations underscore the urgent need for stronger and standardized protections to uphold the civil rights of Jewish and other vulnerable student populations. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Education notified Columbia University’s Accreditor of Columbia’s Title VI Violation.

Under the legislation, institutions would be required to provide supportive measures to complainants, implement transparent procedures for investigation and resolution, and conduct annual training for students, faculty, and staff.

“New York must be a national leader in safeguarding the rights and safety of every student,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “In recent years, we have seen a troubling rise in campus bias and harassment that threatens the safe, inclusive environment our students deserve – and New York must confront that without equivocation or hesitation. I am grateful to Senator Stavisky for her partnership and urge Governor Hochul to stand with us by signing this bill into law.”

“The rise of antisemitism and other forms of hate on college campuses must end. This legislation supplements a law I sponsored two years ago which requires colleges and universities to report hate crimes on their websites. Last year, the American Jewish Committee reported that 35% of the Jewish students were subjected to various forms of antisemitism. We cannot ignore acts of hate and discrimination. This measure provides students with a college Title VI coordinator who understands these issues and can provide solutions. I urge the Governor to sign the legislation and send a strong message that hate, in all its ugly forms, has no place on college campuses- or anywhere,” said Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.

“UJA-Federation of New York thanks Assemblymember Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their leadership and efforts in getting this timely and critical bill passed. With a surge in antisemitism, Jewish students have faced unacceptable discrimination and hate at school. This bill creates a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York.

“Across New York, Jewish students are facing harassment, intimidation, and silence. Too often, their concerns about antisemitism are dismissed or lost in bureaucratic red tape. The passage of Senator Toby Stavisky and Assemblymember Nily Rozic’s Title VI Coordinator bill by the New York State Legislature is a critical step toward changing that reality. By establishing clear institutional responsibility, this legislation ensures that schools will take meaningful, timely action. AJC thanks Senator Stavisky and Assemblymember Rozic for their unwavering leadership in protecting Jewish students and advancing accountability and respect in education,” said Josh Kramer, Director of AJC New York, American Jewish Committee.

“All students deserve safe, equitable learning environments. This imperative is not only moral, but legal. Through the crucial protections of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination on the basis of national origin is strictly prohibited. Thus, at this critical time, Jewish on Campus applauds this important bill that reaffirms Title VI protections are being taken seriously by requiring coordinators at every college and university in New York State,” said Julia Jassey, CEO, Jewish on Campus.

“Too often, students on campuses feel the need to hide parts of their identity to avoid intimidation and harassment. This bill offers a crucial solution to ensure that colleges and universities are properly resourced to address and combat discrimination and hate on campus. We extend our thanks to Assemblywoman Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their leadership on this issue and their commitment to ensuring every college is a place where students are safe, respected, included, and free to learn without fear,” said Scott Richman, Regional Director for New York and New Jersey, Anti-Defamation League.

Avi Posnick, Executive Director of StandWithUs Northeast and New England said, “StandWithUs thanks Assemblywoman Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their sponsorship of S04559B/S04559 requiring a Title VI Coordinator for all college campuses in New York State. This bill will better protect Jewish and pro-Israel students on college campuses. We have seen the horrific number of antisemitic incidents on college campuses grow and this legislation will help ensure that antisemitism is properly identified and addressed.”

“This legislation is a basic, common sense step to ensure that colleges are proactive and responsive to issues of discrimination and harassment. I thank Assemblymember Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their leadership on behalf of New York’s students,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher.

“Too many students experiencing discrimination on campus don’t know where to go for help or what their rights are under federal law. Given the rise in antisemitism and other forms of hate on campus, requiring every college to have a clearly identified Title VI coordinator and regular outreach on policies and reporting procedures will create accountability where it’s often lacking. Giving students and staff the tools they need to address serious issues is how we move from passive compliance to proactive protection of civil rights,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra.

“Protecting our students – especially in the face of rising antisemitism – is not negotiable. This legislation is a necessary step to ensure every student can learn in an environment free from fear, hate, and discrimination,” said Assemblyman Ari Brown.

“Every student deserves to pursue their education free from fear, intimidation, or discrimination,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. “By requiring colleges to appoint Title VI Coordinators, this legislation ensures that civil rights violations are addressed with the seriousness and urgency they demand. I commend Assemblywoman Rozic and Senator Stavisky for their leadership in advancing this vital protection for students across New York.”