CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education & Workforce about antisemitism in higher education. In his testimony, he emphasized that “antisemitism has no place at CUNY” and shared his commitment to making campuses safe and welcoming.
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, who began his career at Hunter College in 2000, spoke about the City University of New York’s (CUNY) role as a significant educational institution. With 26 campuses across New York City, CUNY serves nearly 240,000 students and employs 40,000 people. The Chancellor highlighted CUNY’s mission to provide accessible education and its success in promoting social mobility.
He acknowledged challenges related to antisemitism at CUNY, particularly following the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel in 2023. He described measures taken to address these issues, including increased security personnel and collaboration with law enforcement during incidents such as an encampment at City College in spring 2024.
The Chancellor outlined several initiatives aimed at combating antisemitism on campus. These include establishing a center for discrimination policy enforcement, partnering with the Constructive Dialogue Initiative, expanding Title VI compliance efforts, and collaborating with Hillel’s Campus Climate Initiative.
Matos Rodríguez also mentioned partnerships with Jewish community organizations like the UJA-Federation of New York and Baruch College’s Antisemitism Studies Laboratory initiative supported by the Laterman Family Foundation.
Reflecting on global relations, he noted past engagements with Israeli educational institutions and plans for future visits to strengthen ties.
In response to recent events in Israel, Matos Rodríguez reiterated his condemnation of terrorism: “We are sickened by these atrocities…[and] [w]e decry those who justify — and even celebrate — acts of terrorism as a means of furthering a political struggle.”
He concluded by expressing pride in progress made but acknowledged more work is needed: “We all must do better.”
