New York Assembly Bill A04772

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/6/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Enacts "the combating campus antisemitism act"; prohibits the granting of tuition assistance awards to any student who has knowingly engaged in promoting antisemitism in a manner that is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action, that constitutes "true threats"; makes related provisions.

Summary

Bill A04772, titled "the combating campus antisemitism act," seeks to amend New York's education law by prohibiting the granting of tuition assistance awards to students who knowingly engage in promoting antisemitism. The bill defines antisemitism based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition and outlines specific behaviors that would disqualify students from receiving financial aid, including actions that incite imminent lawless action or constitute 'true threats' or 'fighting words' as defined by U.S. Supreme Court precedents. The bill mandates the establishment of guidelines by the higher education services corporation to determine when a student has engaged in such behaviors and the processes for restoring eligibility for tuition assistance awards.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the eligibility criteria for tuition assistance awards in New York, specifically targeting antisemitic actions. It would create a legal framework for assessing student behavior related to antisemitism and could lead to increased scrutiny of student conduct on campuses. Institutions would need to implement new guidelines and procedures for evaluating claims of antisemitism, potentially impacting both students' access to financial aid and the administrative processes within educational institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04772 appears to be mixed, with proponents emphasizing the need to combat antisemitism in educational settings, while opponents may raise concerns about the implications for free speech and the potential for subjective interpretations of what constitutes antisemitism. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions indicates that the bill may still be in the early stages of consideration, and further debate is likely as it progresses through the legislative process.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the definition of antisemitism and the criteria for determining when a student's actions warrant disqualification from tuition assistance. Critics may argue that the bill could infringe on free speech rights, while supporters may contend that it is necessary to protect students from hate speech and ensure a safe educational environment. The balance between maintaining academic freedom and addressing hate speech is likely to be a central theme in discussions surrounding this legislation.