New York mandates anti-discrimination coordinators on college campuses to help combat antisemitism

Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News on Aug 26, 2025

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NEW YORK — All New York college campuses will soon have to appoint anti-discrimination “Title VI” coordinators, delivering on a major ask of Jewish groups since the pro-Palestinian protests and encampments of spring 2024.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the new requirement into law, which will take effect a year from now. Title VI of the federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

“By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on,” Hochul said in a statement. “No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education.”

Jewish groups had been pushing for Title VI coordinators to serve as clear points of contact to report discrimination or harassment.

Their duties include documenting and investigating complaints, issuing reports and launching trainings and resources, according to the bill co-sponsored by state Sen. Toby Stavisky and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Queens Democrats.

The role mirrors a similar post, Title IX coordinators, which exists on college campuses across the country to protect students from sex and gender-based discrimination.

Last summer, New York University became one of the first major universities to announce a Title VI coordinator to settle a federal lawsuit with Jewish students. In April, the State University of New York directed each of its campuses to appoint a coordinator, who may be an existing administrator, ahead of this fall.

“It sends a powerful message that New York will not tolerate bias or hate in higher education,” Jewish Community Relations Council of New York CEO Mark Treyger said. “Amid rising antisemitism on campuses, JCRC-NY and our partners at the UJA-Federation of New York have long prioritized the creation of Title VI coordinators to protect students, and we are thrilled to see this now becoming a reality.”

The new law comes as campus antisemitism has become a flash point in political discourse, with critics accusing the Trump administration of using the issue as pretext to cancel federal research grants and strike deals with elite institutions. New York Democrats, however, attempted to draw a contrast between their responses.

“While the federal government uses institutions of higher learning to push ideology, stifle dissent and dissuade diversity and identity from campus life, New York is focused on actually addressing issues,” said Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, D-Bronx.

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