New York City Council
Committee on Higher Education
Nov 25, 2024
·
10:00 AM
5 hr 3 min
Summary
A hearing on CUNY's response to the Lippman report on antisemitism and discrimination.
Discussions focused on implementing recommendations to address antisemitism on campuses, including improving complaint systems, providing more training, and enhancing safety measures.
Council members pressed for clearer definitions of antisemitism, stronger accountability, and more transparent data on incidents and disciplinary actions. Jewish students testified about experiencing antisemitism and feeling unsafe on campus.
Debates arose over balancing free speech with addressing discrimination and the pace of CUNY's policy changes
Features testimony from CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, CUNY officials, Jewish students, campus organizations, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the oversight hearing on CUNY's response to the Lippman report
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens the oversight hearing on CUNY's response to the Lippman report, introducing himself as the chair of the committee on higher education. - The hearing focuses …
0:01:44
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12 sec
Council members' connection to CUNY and the emotional context of the hearing
Council Member Dinowitz expresses his pride as a CUNY alum and highlights the significant representation of CUNY graduates in the city council, including the speaker. - 21 council members, including …
0:01:58
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88 sec
Overview of the Lippman report's creation, scope, and methodology
Council Member Dinowitz provides a detailed overview of the Lippman report, including its origins, methodology, and scope. - Governor Kathy Hochul selected Judge Jonathan Lippman to conduct an independent review …
0:03:29
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146 sec
Key observations from the Lippman report on antisemitism and discrimination at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz presents the main observations from the Lippman report, highlighting issues and challenges within CUNY regarding antisemitism and discrimination. - CUNY's complex structure creates challenges in addressing antisemitism …
0:05:56
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101 sec
Judge Lippman's 13 recommendations for addressing antisemitism and discrimination at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz presents Judge Lippman's 13-point action plan for CUNY to address antisemitism and discrimination on its campuses. - Recommendations include increasing centralization of resources, overhauling the complaint system, …
0:07:38
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118 sec
Reference to previous hearing and recent events related to antisemitism at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz references a previous oversight hearing on antisemitism on college campuses and mentions recent events at CUNY related to antisemitism and discrimination. - A previous hearing on antisemitism …
0:09:38
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38 sec
Administrative details and procedures for the oversight hearing
Council Member Dinowitz provides administrative details and procedures for the oversight hearing, including acknowledgments and rules for testimony. - Acknowledges present council members and staff involved in organizing the hearing. …
0:10:17
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98 sec
Introduction and CUNY's commitment to addressing discrimination
Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez introduces himself and reaffirms CUNY's commitment to addressing discrimination and antisemitism. He emphasizes the importance of keeping CUNY campuses free from discrimination and ensuring students feel …
0:12:00
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114 sec
Funding and support from New York City Council for anti-discrimination initiatives
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez details the funding and support received from the New York City Council for CUNY's anti-discrimination initiatives. He highlights how this support has enabled the expansion of various …
0:13:55
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136 sec
Partnerships and initiatives to combat antisemitism
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez outlines key partnerships and initiatives undertaken by CUNY to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate. He highlights collaborations with external organizations and the resolution of pending …
0:16:12
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96 sec
Overview of Lippman report recommendations implementation
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez provides an overview of CUNY's progress in implementing the recommendations from the Lippman report. He welcomes the review conducted by former chief judge Lippman and indicates that …
0:17:49
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25 sec
Creation of Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez announces the creation of the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, a new initiative to centralize efforts to combat discrimination across the CUNY system. - Describes the …
0:18:16
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49 sec
Strengthening campus safety measures
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez outlines the steps taken to enhance safety on CUNY campuses, particularly focusing on measures to protect Jewish students. - Mentions the deployment of additional private officers to …
0:19:06
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30 sec
Guidance on protests and demonstrations
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez discusses the provision of guidance to campus leaders regarding rules and procedures for protests and demonstrations, aiming to maintain an environment free of harassment and hostility. - …
0:19:37
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27 sec
Implementation of case management system for discrimination complaints
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez outlines the implementation of a new case management system (CMS) to improve the handling and tracking of discrimination and retaliation complaints across the CUNY system. - Describes …
0:20:06
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54 sec
Campus climate survey on discrimination and inclusivity
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez announces the launch of a system-wide campus climate survey to gather information about students' experiences with discrimination and perceptions of inclusivity. - Describes the survey's aim to …
0:21:01
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29 sec
Formation of freedom of expression working group
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez announces the formation of a freedom of expression working group tasked with developing a university-wide policy on free expression and academic freedom. - Describes the working group's …
0:21:31
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36 sec
Launch of student-driven unity campaign
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez announces the launch of a student-driven unity campaign aimed at combating hate and promoting diversity across CUNY campuses. - Describes the campaign slogan: 'Our CUNY: hate divides …
0:22:08
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22 sec
Review of discrimination and harassment policies
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez outlines CUNY's plan to review and update its discrimination and harassment policies based on recommendations from various sources. - Mentions the use of policy recommendations from both …
0:22:31
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18 sec
Conclusion and reaffirmation of CUNY's commitment to inclusivity
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez concludes his testimony by reaffirming CUNY's commitment to inclusivity and expressing optimism for the university's future. - Acknowledges the size and complexity of the CUNY system - …
0:22:51
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104 sec
Discussion of CUNY's current complaint portal and its effectiveness
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the effectiveness of CUNY's current complaint portal. The discussion highlights ongoing issues with the portal, including student confusion about …
0:24:35
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75 sec
Requirements for CUNY's new complaint portal and data sharing
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about the specific requirements for CUNY's new complaint portal, focusing on features such as regular updates on investigation statuses and public data sharing. - Chancellor Rodriguez …
0:25:52
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5 min
Legal limitations on sharing complaint information (FERPA)
The discussion focuses on the legal limitations, particularly FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), that affect CUNY's ability to share information about complaints and their outcomes. - Chancellor Rodriguez …
0:31:04
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4 min
Clarification on student notification of complaint outcomes
Council Member Dinowitz seeks clarification on whether students are notified about the outcomes of their complaints and what information they receive. - Chancellor Rodriguez confirms that students are notified of …
0:35:23
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4 min
Confusion about complaint handling processes among CUNY staff
Council Member Dinowitz highlights the apparent confusion and inconsistency among CUNY staff regarding complaint handling processes and information sharing. - Dinowitz points out that different CUNY officials have provided contradictory …
0:40:05
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4 min
Coordination with law enforcement and handling of on-campus/off-campus protests
The discussion focuses on CUNY's coordination with law enforcement, particularly in handling on-campus and off-campus protests. - Chancellor Rodriguez explains that CUNY works closely with NYPD for protests occurring on …
0:44:50
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6 min
CUNY's policy on identity concealment during on-campus activities
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY's policies regarding individuals wearing identity-concealing masks during on-campus activities or protests. - Chancellor Rodriguez reveals that CUNY has not established a specific policy regarding identity …
0:51:35
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3 min
CUNY's policies on vandalism and destruction of property
Council Member Dinowitz briefly inquires about CUNY's policies regarding vandalism and destruction of property on campuses. - Chancellor Rodriguez states that these issues are covered by the existing Henderson rules …
0:55:03
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48 sec
Disciplinary actions for off-campus behavior
The discussion focuses on whether CUNY can discipline students for off-campus behavior and how such disciplinary actions are implemented. - Chancellor Rodriguez confirms that students can be disciplined for off-campus …
0:55:53
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40 sec
Lack of consequences for perpetrators of discriminatory acts
Council Member Dinowitz addresses the issue of a perceived lack of consequences for students who engage in discriminatory acts, and how this affects campus safety. - Dinowitz emphasizes that the …
0:56:33
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175 sec
CUNY's interaction with the Human Rights Commission
Council Member Christopher Marte inquires about CUNY's relationship with the New York City Human Rights Commission, specifically regarding data sharing practices for discrimination allegations. Derek Davis, CUNY's General Counsel, explains …
0:59:34
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75 sec
Process of handling discrimination complaints at CUNY
Derek Davis, CUNY's General Counsel, explains the process of handling discrimination complaints within the CUNY system. He outlines various ways individuals can report discrimination and how these complaints are addressed. …
1:00:49
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121 sec
Reporting requirements for CUNY under various laws
Derek Davis clarifies CUNY's legal obligations to report data on discrimination and hate crimes. He explains that CUNY does share certain information as required by state and federal laws. - …
1:02:50
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49 sec
Importance of data transparency in policy-making
Council Member Christopher Marte emphasizes the importance of data transparency in policy-making, particularly regarding discrimination allegations at CUNY. He argues for more comprehensive data sharing between CUNY and city agencies. …
1:03:40
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79 sec
Concerns about Jewish student safety at Baruch College
Council Member Julie Menin expresses alarm over safety concerns raised by Jewish students at Baruch College. She recounts a meeting where students reported that the college president couldn't guarantee their …
1:05:21
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126 sec
Request for using noncompetitive justification memo to expedite procurement
Council Member Julie Menin suggests using noncompetitive justification memos to bypass lengthy procurement processes for the new complaint portal and security cameras. She emphasizes the urgency of the situation and …
1:07:26
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78 sec
Inquiry about security personnel across CUNY campuses
Council Member Julie Menin inquires about the number of security personnel working across CUNY campuses and whether there has been an increase since October 7th. Chancellor Rodriguez confirms an increase …
1:08:45
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73 sec
Response to antisemitic graffiti incident at Baruch College
Council Member Julie Menin brings up an incident of antisemitic graffiti at Baruch College on October 7th. She inquires about the administration's response, particularly whether an apology was sent to …
1:09:58
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43 sec
Chancellor's salary and reading of the Lippman report
Council Member Inna Vernikov begins her questioning by asking Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about his salary and whether he read the entire Lippman report. The chancellor confirms his salary of …
1:10:58
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27 sec
Acceptance of Lippman report findings and recommendations
Council Member Vernikov presses Chancellor Matos Rodriguez on whether he accepts the findings of the Lippman report regarding antisemitic incidents at CUNY and if he will implement all 13 recommendations. …
1:11:25
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45 sec
Discussion on Zionism and Jewish identity
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Matos Rodriguez about his stance on Zionism as part of Jewish identity and whether anti-Zionism constitutes antisemitism. The chancellor provides nuanced responses, leading to some …
1:12:10
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61 sec
Appointment of antisemitism monitor
Council Member Vernikov inquires about the timeline for appointing an antisemitism monitor as recommended in the Lippman report. Chancellor Matos Rodriguez indicates that there is no set date for the …
1:13:14
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27 sec
State of Jewish students on CUNY campuses since previous hearing
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Matos Rodriguez about whether the situation for Jewish students on CUNY campuses has improved or worsened since the hearing two and a half years ago. …
1:13:42
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71 sec
Safety concerns of Jewish students at CUNY
Council Member Vernikov concludes her questioning by expressing strong concerns about the safety and comfort of Jewish students on CUNY campuses. She asserts that the situation has worsened during the …
1:14:53
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69 sec
Inquiry into discriminatory incidents on CUNY campuses
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about discriminatory incidents on CUNY campuses. The discussion focuses on categorizing and quantifying these incidents across the CUNY system. - …
1:16:07
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75 sec
Discussion of anti-Semitic chants near Hunter College Hillel
Council Member Yeger questions Chancellor Rodriguez about an incident involving anti-Semitic chants near the Hillel at Hunter College. The discussion centers on whether these chants constitute anti-Semitism and if they …
1:17:22
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144 sec
CUNY's response to potential violence on campus
Council Member Yeger presents a hypothetical scenario of violence against Jewish students on campus to probe CUNY's response protocols. The discussion reveals uncertainties about the extent of CUNY safety officers' …
1:19:47
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100 sec
Discussion of CUNY's policies on masking and dress code
Council Member Yeger questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's policies on masking and dress code. The discussion reveals that while CUNY doesn't have a specific masking policy, they do have rules …
1:21:28
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89 sec
CUNY's relationship with Israel and Israeli institutions
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's relationship with Israel and its institutions. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez confirms that CUNY works with the Israeli consulate, has educational exchange programs, and …
1:22:58
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109 sec
CUNY's policies on Zionism and antisemitism
Council Member Dinowitz questions CUNY's policies on including Zionism in their guidance on antisemitism. Chancellor Matos Rodriguez asserts that CUNY's existing policies cover discrimination against Zionism and that they have …
1:24:48
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160 sec
Public statements on antisemitism and Zionism at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz urges CUNY to make public statements clarifying their stance on antisemitism and Zionism, similar to NYU's approach. Chancellor Matos Rodriguez states that CUNY has provided guidance to …
1:27:28
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96 sec
CUNY's training materials on Title VI and antisemitism
Chancellor Matos Rodriguez describes CUNY's efforts to provide training and information on Title VI and antisemitism. This includes producing a manual, video for students, and additional training materials. Council Member …
1:29:04
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164 sec
Transparency and communication of CUNY's policies
Council Member Dinowitz criticizes CUNY for lack of transparency and insufficient communication of policies to students. He emphasizes the need for more public sharing of information about rules, values, and …
1:31:48
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74 sec
Impact of anti-Zionist activities on Jewish students at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz expresses concern about the impact of anti-Zionist activities on Jewish students at CUNY. He emphasizes that students don't feel welcome or safe when faced with anti-Zionist protests, …
1:33:03
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99 sec
Inquiry into CUNY's changes to time, place, and manner restrictions since October 7th
Council Member Julie Menin questioned CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about specific changes made to time, place, and manner restrictions for protests since October 7th. The Chancellor's responses indicated that …
1:34:42
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77 sec
Specific examples of changes to protest locations and policies at CUNY
Council Member Julie Menin pressed Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez for specific examples of changes to protest policies at CUNY campuses. Rodriguez provided limited information about changes at specific colleges. - …
1:35:59
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112 sec
CUNY's response to protests inciting violence and consequences for students
Council Member Julie Menin questioned Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's response to protests that cross the line into inciting violence. The discussion touched on specific incidents and their consequences. …
1:37:51
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80 sec
Inquiry into the number of CUNY students asked for ID or arrested during protests
Council Member Julie Menin questioned Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the number of CUNY students who have been asked for ID or arrested during protests related to antisemitism issues. - …
1:39:11
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41 sec
Clarification on CUNY student involvement in building encampments
Council Member Eric Dinowitz sought clarification about CUNY student involvement in the encampments that broke into administrative buildings and caused significant damage. - Dinowitz referenced previous testimony about $3 million …
1:39:53
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32 sec
Discussion of the Lippman report and its recommendations
Derek Davis, General Counsel for CUNY, provided information about the Lippman report and its recommendations regarding the definition of antisemitism. - Davis clarified that the report is 138 pages long …
1:40:25
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54 sec
CUNY's policies on mask-wearing and compliance during protests
Derek Davis, General Counsel for CUNY, explained the university's policies on mask-wearing and compliance during protests on campus. - CUNY campuses have policies for dealing with masks during protests - …
1:41:19
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83 sec
Debate over CUNY's right to enact time, place, and manner restrictions
Council Member Julie Menin and CUNY General Counsel Derek Davis engaged in a debate about CUNY's right and responsibility to enact time, place, and manner restrictions for protests on campus. …
1:42:43
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113 sec
Discussion of CUNY's training and definition of antisemitism
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questioned Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's training and definition of antisemitism. - Rodriguez stated that CUNY's definition of antisemitism is consistent with the government proclamation …
1:44:36
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48 sec
Discussion on CUNY's complaint portal and its effectiveness
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about the number of complaints submitted to CUNY's reporting portal, including those related to antisemitism. The Chancellor is unable to provide specific numbers, prompting …
1:45:26
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99 sec
CUNY's response to protests blocking access to classrooms
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's response to protests that blocked students from accessing classrooms, particularly at CCNY after October 7th. The Chancellor is unable to provide specific …
1:47:07
·
169 sec
Consequences for students damaging property on CUNY campuses
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about the consequences for students who damage or destroy property on CUNY campuses. The Chancellor struggles to provide specific examples of incidents and their …
1:49:56
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45 sec
Clarification on CUNY student involvement in CCNY property damage incident
Council Member Dinowitz seeks clarification from Chancellor Rodriguez about whether CUNY students were involved in breaking into the Hasty building at CCNY. The Chancellor states that to the best of …
1:50:49
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19 sec
Clarification on $3 million damage to CUNY building and identity of perpetrators
Council Member Kalman Yeger seeks clarification from CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about a $3 million damage incident at a CUNY building. The Chancellor confirms that, to the best of …
1:51:10
·
117 sec
Discussion on CUNY's security measures and response to campus incidents
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the university's security measures and response to campus incidents. The discussion reveals concerns about CUNY's ability to prevent and …
1:53:07
·
0 sec
Debate on the presence of antisemitism at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger engages in a heated discussion with CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the presence of antisemitism at CUNY. Yeger asserts that antisemitism is likely present among …
1:53:07
·
114 sec
Discussion on CUNY's budget and efforts to combat antisemitism
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's budget and the effectiveness of current efforts to address antisemitism on campus. Yeger suggests that the current approach, …
1:55:02
·
91 sec
Discrepancy in reported CUNY student involvement in protests
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about a discrepancy between the Chancellor's testimony and a news article regarding CUNY student involvement in campus protests and arrests. The …
1:56:33
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96 sec
Accountability measures for faculty and students in violative conduct
Council Member Dinowitz questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's implementation of accountability measures for faculty and students involved in violative conduct, as recommended in the Lippman report. The discussion reveals potential …
1:58:09
·
147 sec
Concerns about lack of data and CUNY's preparedness for the hearing
Council Member Eric Dinowitz expresses frustration over the lack of concrete data and information provided by CUNY during the hearing, hindering productive dialogue on implementing the Lippman report recommendations. He …
2:00:39
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78 sec
Council Member Bottcher questions Chancellor Rodriguez on CUNY's commitment to combating antisemitism
Council Member Erik D. Bottcher questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the university's commitment to combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety of Jewish students. The Chancellor reaffirms his dedication …
2:01:59
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168 sec
Discussion on academic freedom and faculty responsibilities
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about holding faculty accountable for violative conduct, particularly regarding one-sided dialogues in classrooms. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez explains the concept of academic freedom within faculty …
2:05:14
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96 sec
Handling of off-topic discussions in classrooms
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about professors discussing topics unrelated to their subject area, such as a math professor talking about Zionism. Chancellor Rodriguez explains the process for addressing such situations. …
2:06:50
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135 sec
Lack of data on disciplinary actions for faculty
Council Member Dinowitz expresses frustration over the lack of data regarding disciplinary actions taken against faculty who violate policies. Chancellor Rodriguez is unable to provide specific information on the number …
2:09:06
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91 sec
Reporting process and new complaint portal implementation
The discussion focuses on the current and future reporting process for student complaints, including the implementation of a new portal. - Reports can currently be filed through an existing portal. …
2:10:38
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36 sec
Emergency procurement for safety measures and complaint portal
Council Member Dinowitz suggests using emergency procurement processes, similar to those used for security measures, to expedite the implementation of the new complaint portal. - CUNY has previously used emergency …
2:11:13
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72 sec
Evidence required for holding faculty accountable
The discussion concludes with Council Member Dinowitz inquiring about the evidence required to hold faculty accountable for violative conduct. - Chancellor Rodriguez explains that evidence would primarily come from conversations …
2:12:26
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52 sec
Council Member Menin summarizes unanswered questions from the hearing
Council Member Julie Menin expresses her frustration with the lack of answers provided during the hearing on antisemitism at CUNY. She summarizes several important questions that were left unanswered by …
2:13:19
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49 sec
Discussion of the investigation into the incident at Baruch College
Council Member Menin and Chancellor Rodriguez discuss the ongoing investigation into an incident involving protesters harassing Jewish Baruch College freshmen at a local kosher restaurant. - Chancellor Rodriguez explains that …
2:14:09
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91 sec
Discussion on communicating investigation results to students and the public
Council Member Menin and Chancellor Rodriguez discuss the timeline of the investigation and the importance of communicating its results to students and the public. - Menin expresses concern about the …
2:15:41
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48 sec
Discussion on CUNY's response to Judge Lippman's report
Council Member Menin questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's official response to Judge Lippman's report on antisemitism at CUNY. - Menin inquires about CUNY's official response to Governor Hochul, Judge Lippman, …
2:16:30
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123 sec
Council Member Brewer questions CUNY's efforts to recruit Jewish students amid concerns of antisemitism
Council Member Gale A. Brewer raises concerns about Jewish families hesitating to send their children to CUNY due to antisemitism fears. She questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's approach …
2:18:33
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151 sec
Discussion of CUNY's hiring practices to foster inclusiveness
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the implementation of recommendation 12 from the Lippman report, which suggests recruiting and hiring to foster inclusiveness. The discussion …
2:21:07
·
4 min
Legal and ethical considerations in CUNY's hiring practices
The discussion delves into the legal and ethical considerations surrounding CUNY's hiring practices, particularly in relation to potential candidates with controversial backgrounds or views. CUNY officials explain the complexities and …
2:25:15
·
3 min
CUNY's current support systems for victims of discrimination
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about CUNY's existing resources and support systems for victims of hate crimes or discrimination. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez outlines the current support structures in place …
2:29:12
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127 sec
Process for providing victim services through CUNY's reporting portal
The discussion focuses on the process of providing victim services through CUNY's reporting portal, including how anonymous reports are handled and what information is provided to those who report incidents. …
2:31:20
·
4 min
CUNY's plans for establishing a victim advocate program
The discussion concludes with questions about CUNY's plans to establish a victim advocate program as recommended in the Lippman report. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez outlines CUNY's current considerations and challenges …
2:35:54
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37 sec
Discussion on implementing time, place, and manner restrictions for protests at CUNY
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about implementing time, place, and manner restrictions for protests at CUNY campuses, as recommended in the Lippman report. The Chancellor explains that such restrictions …
2:36:36
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53 sec
Debate on implementing a mask ban policy at CUNY campuses
Council Member Vernikov presses Chancellor Rodriguez on whether CUNY will commit to banning masks on campus, citing the Lippman report's recommendation. The Chancellor resists implementing a mask ban, leading to …
2:37:30
·
72 sec
Questioning about faculty teaching outside their assigned subject area
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's response to faculty members teaching subjects outside their assigned areas. The Chancellor explains the disciplinary process for such situations. - Chancellor Rodriguez …
2:38:43
·
48 sec
Inquiry about faculty indoctrinating students with political views in classrooms
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's response to faculty members indoctrinating students with political views, particularly anti-Israel propaganda, during classes meant for other subjects. The Chancellor outlines the …
2:39:31
·
77 sec
Discussion on antisemitic social media posts by CUNY students
Council Member Vernikov questions Chancellor Rodriguez about a John Jay student's antisemitic social media post and the environment that allows such rhetoric. The Chancellor acknowledges the reprehensible nature of the …
2:40:51
·
60 sec
Final remarks on CUNY's response to extremist views and future accountability
Council Member Vernikov concludes by questioning Chancellor Rodriguez about CUNY's approach to dealing with extremist students and faculty. She expresses frustration with the Chancellor's responses and hints at potential future …
2:41:51
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65 sec
Follow-up on discipline and expulsions at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger follows up on a previous discussion about expulsions and terminations at CUNY. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez is asked to provide information on disciplinary actions in a …
2:42:56
·
35 sec
Debate on mask-wearing policy during protests at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's policy on mask-wearing during protests on campus. The discussion centers around the legitimacy and potential risks of allowing masked …
2:43:34
·
81 sec
Discussion on public safety and identification procedures at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger and Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez debate the effectiveness of CUNY's identification procedures and public safety measures, particularly in relation to masked individuals on campus. - Yeger …
2:44:55
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68 sec
Addressing hate speech and inappropriate behavior at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger confronts Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about CUNY's handling of hate speech and inappropriate behavior on campus, particularly focusing on antisemitic incidents. - Yeger provides examples of …
2:46:03
·
47 sec
Debate on consequences for rule violations at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger and Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez engage in a heated discussion about the potential consequences for rule violations at CUNY, particularly focusing on the proposed face covering …
2:46:50
·
123 sec
CUNY's responsibility to taxpayers and student safety
Council Member Kalman Yeger concludes with remarks on CUNY's responsibility to taxpayers and student safety, emphasizing the need for action to maintain the institution's reputation and value. - Yeger highlights …
2:48:52
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47 sec
Discussion on centralized guidance for safety issues at CUNY campuses
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the implementation of centralized guidance for safety issues on CUNY campuses, as recommended in the Lippman report. The discussion focuses …
2:49:40
·
150 sec
Inquiry into training of security officers at CUNY
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez about the training of security officers at CUNY, particularly those hired during emergencies. The discussion reveals concerns about the adequacy of …
2:52:11
·
121 sec
Discussion on diversity in CUNY leadership, focusing on Jewish representation
Council Member Eric Dinowitz inquires about the diversity of CUNY's leadership, particularly regarding Jewish representation in high-level positions. Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez responds to clarify the current state of diversity. …
2:54:14
·
79 sec
CUNY's next steps to combat antisemitism and discrimination
Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez outlines CUNY's prioritized actions to address antisemitism and discrimination in response to the Lippman report recommendations. The discussion highlights key initiatives and their expected impact. - …
2:55:33
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95 sec
Council Member Dinowitz's closing remarks and future follow-up plans
Council Member Eric Dinowitz delivers closing remarks, acknowledging the importance of the issue and expressing some dissatisfaction with the level of detail provided during the hearing. He outlines plans for …
2:57:08
·
139 sec
Testimony by Kira, Student at John Jay College (CUNY)
Kira, a student at John Jay College (CUNY), testified about her experiences with antisemitism on campus, particularly in a victimology course where guest speakers presented biased views against Israel and …
3:13:18
·
154 sec
Council member inquires about CUNY's response to student's complaint
Council Member Eric Dinowitz asks student Kira about the response she received from CUNY after filing a complaint about a professor's biased teaching. Kira clarifies that while she spoke to …
3:15:53
·
17 sec
Testimony by Aidan Herzlinger, Student and Vice President of Hillel at Baruch College
Aidan Herzlinger, a sophomore at Baruch College and vice president of Hillel, testifies about antisemitic incidents on campus and the administration's failure to protect Jewish students. He describes a specific …
3:16:17
·
146 sec
Testimony by Christopher Colos, Student at Baruch College, on Campus Safety and Antisemitism at CUNY
Christopher Colos, a junior at Baruch College, testified about his experiences with antisemitism and safety concerns at CUNY following a volunteer trip to Israel. He emphasized the need for increased …
3:19:53
·
112 sec
Council Member Julie Menin thanks students and inquires about university communication
Council Member Julie Menin expresses gratitude to the students for their courage in sharing their stories at the hearing. She then directs a question to Aidan about any communication or …
3:21:49
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25 sec
Discussion on university response and council member's closing remarks
Council Member Julie Menin engages in a brief Q&A with student Aidan Herzlinger about the university's response to his reported incident. Aidan reveals that the only follow-up he received was …
3:22:14
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16 sec
Additional information about chancellor meeting and follow-up question
Aidan Herzlinger provides additional information about a meeting with the CUNY chancellor, where the focus was shifted away from antisemitism issues. Julie Menin asks a follow-up question about potential career …
3:22:54
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50 sec
Testimony by Eli Meron, Student at Baruch College, CUNY
Eli Meron, a senior at Baruch College, shared his personal experiences of antisemitism and hostility on campus following the October 7th attack in Israel. He emphasized the urgent need for …
3:25:15
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127 sec
Testimony by Maya Gavriel, Student from Baruch College, on CUNY's Response to Antisemitism
Maya Gavriel, a student from Baruch College, testified about her experiences with antisemitism at CUNY and urged the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. She emphasized the need for …
3:27:29
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129 sec
Testimony by Kayla Aaron, Delegate of CUNY University Student Senate
Kayla Aaron, a delegate of the CUNY University Student Senate, testifies about ongoing issues of antisemitism at CUNY campuses, particularly at Baruch College. She emphasizes the need for more effective …
3:29:49
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120 sec
Council member Dinowitz comments on CUNY's representation at the hearing
Council Member Eric Dinowitz acknowledges CUNY's representation at the hearing, despite the chancellor's absence. He notes that three CUNY representatives, including a vice chancellor, are present and will report back …
3:31:53
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22 sec
Discussion on adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism at CUNY
Council Member Eric Dinowitz questions Maya Gavriel about her stance on CUNY adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Maya strongly supports adopting this definition, arguing that it's necessary to have …
3:32:16
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74 sec
Council member Yeger questions students about antisemitism experiences and complaint process at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger engages in a Q&A session with students Kayla Aaron and Eli Meron about their experiences with antisemitism at CUNY and the effectiveness of the complaint process. …
3:33:30
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166 sec
Testimony by Avi Posnick, Northeast Regional Director of Stand With Us, on CUNY's Response to Antisemitism
Avi Posnick, representing Stand With Us, testified on CUNY's efforts to combat antisemitism, praising initiatives while emphasizing the need for further action. He focused on Recommendation 9 from the Lippman …
3:36:49
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115 sec
Testimony by Michael Cohen, Eastern Director of Simon Wiesenthal Center
Michael Cohen, Eastern Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and member of CUNY's Jewish Advisory Board, testified about antisemitism on CUNY campuses and the need to implement the Lippman Commission's …
3:38:53
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178 sec
Testimony by Dr. Sara Fredman Aeder, Vice President of Israel and Jewish Affairs at Jewish Community Relations Council of New York on CUNY's Response to Lippman Report
Dr. Sara Fredman Aeder, representing the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, testified on CUNY's response to the Lippman report regarding antisemitism and discrimination. She emphasized the need for …
3:41:54
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101 sec
Testimony by Ilya Bratman, Hillel Director for 9 campuses including 3 in the CUNY system
Ilya Bratman, Hillel Director for multiple campuses including three in the CUNY system, testifies about the concerning incidents of antisemitism and hostility towards Jewish and Zionist students on CUNY campuses. …
3:43:40
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118 sec
Council member Dinowitz's CUNY connection
Council Member Eric Dinowitz opens with a lighthearted comment about the previous speaker's timing and shares his personal connection to CUNY. He mentions that his father, sister, wife, and himself …
3:45:38
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18 sec
Discussion on cross-cultural initiatives and training at CUNY
Council Member Dinowitz inquires about cross-cultural discussions and initiatives at CUNY, and Ilya Bratman from Hillel responds with criticism of the current training and dialogue programs. - Bratman highlights failures …
3:45:57
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100 sec
Discussion on the relationship between Israel and Judaism in training
Council Member Dinowitz responds to Ilya Bratman's comments, relating them to the Lippman report's findings on the relationship between Israel and Judaism. Sara Fredman Aeder adds context about Title VI …
3:47:37
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65 sec
Clarification on Title VI violations affecting various student groups
Council Member Dinowitz seeks clarification about the scope of Title VI violations at CUNY, confirming that they affect multiple student groups. - Dinowitz confirms that Title VI violations at CUNY …
3:48:42
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23 sec
Discussion on centralization of power and decision-making at CUNY
Michael Cohen emphasizes the need for centralization of power and decision-making at CUNY to effectively implement the Lippman report's recommendations and ensure accountability. Avi Posnick adds a point about clarity …
3:49:05
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61 sec
Council member Dinowitz's concluding remarks on the broader impact of addressing antisemitism
Council Member Dinowitz concludes the discussion by emphasizing the broader benefits of addressing antisemitism and strengthening Title VI protections for all students at CUNY. - Dinowitz notes that while antisemitism …
3:50:06
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52 sec
Discussion on CUNY complaint process and delays
Council Member Vernikov questions Ilya Bratman about complaints filed through CUNY's portal and the delays in addressing them. Bratman describes long wait times for responses, sometimes months, and a lack …
3:51:00
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3 min
Interactions with CUNY chief diversity officers
Council Member Vernikov inquires about Ilya Bratman's interactions with CUNY's chief diversity officers. Bratman describes varying experiences across different schools and some negative interactions. - Some diversity officers felt 'attacked' …
3:54:01
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75 sec
Council member Yeger questions Ilya Bratman about Baruch Hillel incident and public safety response
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions Ilya Bratman about an incident at Baruch's Hillel, focusing on the public safety response. Bratman confirms he was present and notified CUNY public safety, but …
3:55:19
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113 sec
Discussion of protest incident at Brooklyn College donor reception
Council Member Yeger inquires about a recent incident at a Brooklyn College donor reception. Ilya Bratman describes how protesters disrupted the event, which was held on campus. - Protesters entered …
3:57:12
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54 sec
Ilya Bratman recounts threatening chants directed at him and Hillel
Council Member Yeger asks Ilya Bratman to recount the specific chants and threats he heard during protests. Bratman describes aggressive and personalized chants directed at him and Baruch Hillel. - …
3:58:07
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62 sec
Testimony by Gideon Askowitz, Student at Hunter College (CUNY), on Personal Experiences with Discrimination and Response to Chancellor's Testimony
Gideon Askowitz, a student at Hunter College, shared his personal experiences with discrimination and responded to the Chancellor's testimony regarding the Lippman report. He highlighted issues with CUNY's handling of …
4:00:18
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127 sec
Testimony by Kristin Kiernan, Member of the Public from Hunter College
Kristin Kiernan from Hunter College testified about the implications of conflating antisemitism with anti-Zionism, arguing that this conflation is harmful to Jewish students and dangerous to free speech in academic …
4:02:30
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141 sec
Testimony by Kori Edens, Member of the Public
Kori Edens, a member of the public, provided testimony criticizing CUNY's administration and practices, particularly at Hunter College. She expressed concerns about corruption, mistreatment of students, and issues with the …
4:04:55
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127 sec
Testimony by Von Steven Del Valle, Mayor Candidate for 2025
Von Steven Del Valle, a mayoral candidate for 2025, testified about the challenges faced by the Jewish community in New York City, including antisemitism and the impact of the Gaza-Palestine …
4:07:08
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106 sec
Council member questions CUNY's response to City College incident
Council Member Kalman Yeger inquires about the incident at City College, questioning the lack of action by CUNY public safety officers during the event. The student, Gideon Askowitz, explains that …
4:09:05
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76 sec
Inquiry about disciplinary actions against students involved in City College incident
Council Member Kalman Yeger asks about any disciplinary actions taken against City College students involved in the incident. Gideon Askowitz confirms that to his knowledge, no students have been disciplined. …
4:10:22
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14 sec
Student describes discrimination in CUNY fellowship nomination process
Council Member Inna Vernikov asks a student, Gideon Askowitz, to elaborate on his earlier testimony about a DEI officer trying to stop him from pursuing a complaint. Askowitz describes his …
4:10:42
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105 sec
Testimony by Gabrielle Tierney, Student and President of Hillel at John Jay College (CUNY)
Gabrielle Tierney, a senior at John Jay College and president of Hillel, addressed the committee about the need to modernize CUNY's policies and procedures regarding online presence and its impact …
4:13:21
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145 sec
Council member clarifies student's concern about CUNY social media policy
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a brief Q&A with student Gabrielle Tierney to confirm her concern about CUNY's social media policy and use of the CUNY name by student …
4:15:46
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12 sec
Testimony by Ernest Rafailov, President of Hillel at Baruch College (CUNY)
Ernest Rafailov, President of Hillel at Baruch College, testified about ongoing issues of antisemitism at CUNY and the need for more decisive action beyond expressions of solidarity. He emphasized that …
4:16:07
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103 sec
Council Member Dinowitz questions Hillel president about Lippman report recommendations
Council Member Eric Dinowitz engages in a Q&A session with Ernest Rafailov, President of Hillel at Broad College, about the Lippman report recommendations. Dinowitz asks Rafailov to identify specific elements …
4:17:50
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48 sec
Testimony by Adela Cojab, Lawyer, on CUNY's Response to Antisemitism
Adela Cojab, a lawyer who fights Title VI cases, testified about CUNY's response to antisemitism, emphasizing the need for stronger definitions and enforcement mechanisms. She compared the current situation to …
4:18:40
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129 sec
Council member Dinowitz responds to testimony on Title VI coordinator positions
Council Member Eric Dinowitz acknowledges the previous speaker's testimony from two and a half years ago and addresses the issue of Title VI coordinator positions. He mentions that the city …
4:20:49
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40 sec
Testimony by David Wapner on Foreign Funding and Extremist Rhetoric at Universities
David Wapner testifies about foreign funding of universities and the presence of extremist rhetoric at counter-protests. He expresses concern over the influence of foreign entities on higher education institutions and …
4:21:31
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120 sec
Testimony by Evette Jody Stark, Hunter Graduate
Evette Jody Stark, a Hunter graduate, testified about the need for accountability and remedies to address issues at CUNY, particularly concerning antisemitism and campus protests. She emphasized the importance of …
4:24:41
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133 sec
Testimony by Kayla Bellin, President of Hillel at City College
Kayla Bellin, a junior at City College and president of Hillel, provided testimony on antisemitism at CUNY, focusing on points 6 and 9 of the Lippman report. She shared personal …
4:27:03
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133 sec
Testimony by Azriel Genack, Distinguished Professor of Physics and Chair of CUNY Alliance for Inclusion at City University of New York (CUNY)
Azriel Genack, Chair of the CUNY Alliance for Inclusion and Distinguished Professor of Physics at Queens College, addressed the committee regarding antisemitism and academic freedom at CUNY. He emphasized the …
4:29:25
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93 sec
Reporting antisemitic incidents at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger questions Kayla Bellin, President of Hillel at City College, about reporting an antisemitic incident in class. Bellin explains that she did not use the normal reporting …
4:31:04
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32 sec
Campus protests and safety measures at CUNY
Council Member Kalman Yeger inquires about protests, encampments, and safety measures on CUNY campuses, particularly at City College. Kayla Bellin describes her observations and experiences. - City College is noted …
4:31:36
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45 sec
Testimony by djelf7, Member of the Public, on CUNY's Response to the Lippman Report
djelf7, a Korean American, provided testimony on CUNY's response to the Lippman report, highlighting the need for broader inclusion of war victims in discussions about discrimination and suffering. The speaker …
4:33:20
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146 sec
Testimony by Samuel "Peter" Panuccio, Retired NYPD Sergeant
Samuel "Peter" Panuccio, a retired NYPD sergeant and 9/11 survivor, testified about his observations of protests following October 7th, particularly those involving CUNY groups. He expressed concern about the nature …
4:35:58
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121 sec
Testimony by Joseph Borgen, Member of the Public
Joseph Borgen, a victim of antisemitic assault, testifies about the need for accountability in addressing antisemitism at CUNY. He criticizes the Lippman report's approach and CUNY's handling of discrimination complaints, …
4:38:24
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130 sec
Testimony by Jeffrey Lax, Professor at CUNY on Zionism and Anti-Semitism at CUNY
Jeffrey Lax testifies about the need for CUNY to properly define and protect Zionism under its policies, arguing that Zionism is a protected characteristic under both religious and ethnic grounds. …
4:40:42
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134 sec
Testimony by Julius Nemkow, Former CUNY Student
Julius Nemkow, a former CUNY student and Jewish New Yorker, expresses deep concern about antisemitism on CUNY campuses and calls for stronger action against it. He criticizes the current efforts …
4:43:06
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122 sec
Council Member Vernikov questions retired NYPD Sergeant about protest groups
Council Member Inna Vernikov questions Samuel 'Peter' Panuccio, a retired NYPD Sergeant, about the groups 'Within Our Lifetime', 'Students for Justice in Palestine' (SJP), and 'Jewish Voice for Peace' (JVP). …
4:45:18
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14 sec
Retired NYPD Sergeant details activities of protest groups
Samuel 'Peter' Panuccio, a retired NYPD Sergeant, provides a detailed response about the activities and background of protest groups like 'Within Our Lifetime', SJP, and JVP. He discusses their goals, …
4:45:34
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170 sec
Council member addresses previous testimony and clarifies stance on defining beliefs
Council Member Eric Dinowitz responds to previous testimony, emphasizing the committee's policy of not defining or judging others' religious beliefs. He stresses the importance of respecting diverse perspectives within religious …
4:48:37
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59 sec
Clarification on the nature and purpose of the Lippman report
Council Member Eric Dinowitz provides clarity on the Lippman report, explaining its origin and purpose. He emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to address the issues raised in the report. …
4:49:37
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52 sec
Testimony by Alex Jacobs on CUNY's Response to Antisemitism and the Lippman Report
Alex Jacobs, a New York resident, provided testimony on CUNY's response to antisemitism and the Lippman report. He expressed confusion about proposed mask bans, criticized the conflation of antisemitism with …
4:50:42
·
123 sec
Testimony by Mary O'Riordan, Former CUNY Professor, on Antisemitism at CUNY
Mary O'Riordan, a retired CUNY professor, testified about antisemitic activities and remarks occurring in CUNY classrooms, which she believes are partly fueled by the faculty union. She shared personal accounts …
4:53:00
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144 sec
Testimony by Avraham Goldstein, Professor of Mathematics at City University of New York (CUNY), on Antisemitism at CUNY
Professor Avraham Goldstein of CUNY shares his experience reporting antisemitic and potentially dangerous posters on campus, highlighting the administration's inadequate response and calling for external oversight in implementing the Lippman …
4:55:38
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125 sec
Testimony by Jennifer MacKenzie, Lecturer at Lehman College, on CUNY's Response to Antisemitism and Discrimination
Jennifer MacKenzie, a lecturer at Lehman College, shared her experiences and perspectives on antisemitism and discrimination at CUNY. She emphasized that while antisemitism exists at CUNY, as it does in …
4:57:51
·
126 sec
Testimony by Marah Birnbaum, Student at CUNY School of Law
Marah Birnbaum, a Jewish student at CUNY School of Law, testified about her experiences and views on antisemitism and the IHRA definition at CUNY. She argued against the implementation of …
5:00:07
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124 sec
Council member thanks colleagues, CUNY officials, and others involved in the hearing and report
Council Member Eric Dinowitz expresses gratitude to various individuals and groups involved in the hearing and the Lippman report. - Thanks colleagues, CUNY Chancellor and team, students, and organizations who …
5:02:18
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21 sec
Council member addresses report findings and emphasizes need for concrete policies
Council Member Eric Dinowitz discusses the Lippman report's findings and emphasizes the need for action to address issues at CUNY. - Highlights structural problems at CUNY that lead to students …
5:02:40
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41 sec
