News from Senator Jeffrey D. Klein and Assemblyman Dov Hikind
For Immediate Release: December 27, 2013
Contact for Assemblyman Hikind: Yehudah Meth 718-853-9616
Senator Klein, Assemblyman Hikind Denounce American Studies Association Boycott of Israel; Announce New Legislation Aimed at Cutting Off Taxpayer Dollars to Colleges and Universities that Support Boycott
December 27, 2013 -
In the wake of the American Studies Association's (ASA) targeted and
singular boycott of Israeli universities, State Senate Co-Leader Jeff
Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn)
announced plans to introduce legislation that would cut-off state aid to
public and private universities who participate in organizations which,
like the ASA, discriminate against countries like Israel. The
legislation gives colleges and universities 30 days to withdraw their
support from organizations that boycott countries like Israel or else
lose state funding and bonding privileges.
State Senator Jeff Klein and Assemblyman Dov Hikind said: “The
ASA's boycott of Israel is not only a direct violation of New York
State’s Human Rights Act, it's a slap in the face to Jews and supporters
of Israel everywhere. Make no mistake: the ASA's boycott is targeted
discrimination against Israel that betrays the values of academic
freedom that we hold dear. We cannot encourage our colleges and
universities to engage in this type of discrimination against Israel.
New Yorkers expect us to reject discrimination in every form, and
cutting off the state spigot is the best way of doing that. ”
Under the legislation,
schools would also be required to immediately suspend the use of any
state resources in support of organizations like the ASA. The
legislation would also prohibit employees of New York State's public
universities from participating in conferences or activities sponsored
by groups that participate in discriminatory boycotts like the ASA.
Under the legislation, schools could still join and support academic
organization that boycott academic institutions located in countries
listed under federal law as state sponsors of terrorism
The lawmakers will introduce their legislation at the state of the 2014 legislation session in January.
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