The City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and the Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism (FCAS) Executive Director Matthew E. Berger last week hosted “Paint the University Blue” at Queens College, an event in partnership with FCAS’s #StandUpToJewishHate campaign to raise awareness about anti-Semitism and hatred against Jewish people by wearing blue squares or posting or sharing the blue square emoji.
Students from Queens College Hillel were in attendance, along with representatives from Hillel International, the New York Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY). The event also served as the launch for a social media effort across the 25 CUNY colleges, encouraging all students, faculty, and staff to join in the campaign.
Additionally, the Chancellor announced the formation of an Advisory Council on Jewish Life, a University-wide body of prominent New York Jewish leaders that will first convene in June.
“We will not waver in our dedication to fighting anti-Semitism, and we want our Jewish students, faculty, and staff to know that they are valued and protected at our University,” said CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez.
At the “Paint the University Blue” event, blue square pins and stickers were given to students alongside information about what anti-Semitism is and how to spread awareness. Students and campus community members were also encouraged to post the blue square emoji on their social media profiles to express their support for the fight against anti-Semitism. A toolkit has been distributed to all CUNY colleges such that they can join in the effort from across the city.
The blue square was chosen by FCAS to serve as an easily accessible way for people to express their support for the Jewish community and the fight against anti-Semitism. FCAS builds positive messaging and partnerships to encourage people, especially non-Jewish people, to stand up against hate and intolerance.
CUNY is participating in this campaign to ensure that every member of its University community is aware of the increasing trend of anti-Semitism and is prepared to respond to it. With resources provided by FCAS, the University can educate community members on the different types of anti-Semitism and on different ways to proactively stand against it.
CUNY’s Advisory Council on Jewish Life, which is still in formation, will include Jewish leaders in New York who will advise the Chancellor on ways to lift up Jewish life and foster better communication between all religions on campus. The group will meet each semester and as needed. Members will include Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis, and Gideon Taylor, executive vice president and CEO of the JCRC-NY.
The campaign and council are part of CUNY’s ongoing effort to address hate and discrimination at the University. This year, CUNY distributed $750,000 systemwide for programming to fight against anti-Semitism, bigotry, and hate of all kinds.
The existing funding has been used to support projects including:
a Holocaust education program for faculty and staff that Queensborough Community College has offered, leveraging its Kupferberg Holocaust Center and hosting an exhibition on the intersection between anti-Semitism and racism.
a workshop at John Jay College of Criminal Justice presented by the NYC Commission on Human Rights, focused on understanding Jewish experiences and anti-Semitism, educating attendees on the diversity of Jewish cultures and identities while developing strategies to combat anti-Semitism and discrimination.
a poster exhibit at New York City College of Technology entitled, “I am a Jew,” which includes students, faculty, and staff on campus sharing their stories.
A Month of Education
As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez will also accompany 20 CUNY students on a visit to the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City on Monday, May 22.
These announcements add to the University’s continued efforts to ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff feel welcomed on CUNY campuses. The Chancellor, who has repeatedly spoken out against anti-Semitism and calls for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, launched a centralized online portal to report instances of anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination and harassment.