June 5, 2024

Stop the Rising Crescendo of Hate at CUNY

The CUNY Alliance for Inclusion (CAFI) strongly objects to the upcoming "protest" against the CUNY Hillel by CUNY student organizations, including the Baruch Middle East and North Africa (MENA) society and Baruch Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Baruch Hillel, a CUNY student organization, is an essential safe space for Jewish students on campus. This so-called protest is no protest at all—it is an attack on Hillel and an effort to isolate Jewish students and stifle their voices. The flyer for the event screams, 'To Hell with Hillel', as part of a rising crescendo of hate, beginning with the October 7th pogrom that was celebrated by some of the groups participating in this so-called protest.

CUNY cannot tolerate public demonstrations by student group that espouse the elimination of a peaceful student group that affirms the heritage of Jewish students. No other organization representing a group of students with a shared identity—be it racial, religious, ethnic, national, or anything else—would be subjected to a similar kind of demonstration. CUNY would not allow it, and rightfully so, as such a rally is clearly designed to harass and create a hostile environment in violation of CUNY's policies and federal law. Moreover, it is disturbing that some of the CUNY student groups intending to participate in this event, including SJP, are funded by known terrorist organizations.

The CUNY Administration seems to have two standards. Less than a month ago, it required Baruch Hillel to cancel its peaceful observance of Israel's Memorial Day because of an anti-Israel protest. But it is now permitting a rally on June 5th by Baruch SJP and other groups, whose flyer and stated agenda are unambiguously antisemitic. Per CUNY policies, CUNY student organizations that harass other groups can face consequences including an investigation, a formal warning, probation, loss of privileges, suspension or disbandment. CUNY student groups must be made aware of the consequences of their actions, and the CUNY administration must quickly and fully enforce those consequences.

CUNY Alliance For Inclusion