The State University of New York at Purchase is supported by the Hillels of Westchester, a collaborative unit of Hillel chapters across the County.

What’s Happening on Campus?

There have been recent incidents on campus. A student was suspended in December 2023 for entering an administrator’s office and tearing down a “We Stand with Israel” poster. On Rosh Hashanah in September 2023, an Israeli flag was vandalized with antisemitic rhetoric in the campus music building; following that incident, a sukkah on campus was also damaged.

In August 2024, a message was left in chalk on campus that read "Zionists Go Home" with an inverted red triangle, a symbol associated with Hamas.

University Policies and Responsive Action

In October 2023, President Dr. Milly Peña sent an email to the campus community saying her administration was “collaborating on a plan” to address campus antisemitism through education, dialogue, and empathy.

In May 2024, following the arrest of 70 pro-Palestinian protestors on the University campus, an agreement was reached between the administration and the protestors that included the promise of a meeting between a committee of students and the relevant board to discuss ethical investing and no disciplinary consequences for those arrested provided they do not violate any more policies.

In advance of the 2024-25 academic year, the College published a new “College Commitment to Freedom of Speech” webpage, consolidating and clarifying policies governing free speech, Title VI obligations and existing reporting mechanisms.

The College also released a new “Diversity Defined” resource, which states that the College “will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination and harassment” and stands with “with Governor Hochul in rejecting BDS.”

Additionally, alongside the Title VI and anti-bias required training for faculty, all students are now required to complete an anti-bias training titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students.” The College is currently developing a specific webpage for antisemitism resources and education, has established an Interfaith Council and has received funding to create an interfaith prayer, meditation and reflection space.

SUNY Purchase has also hosted a workshop on conflict management, and the College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has collaborated with “Fostering (Dis)Agreement,” a campus collective of faculty and staff who have come together for open and constructive dialogue on the student protest movement, the October 7th attacks, and the Israel-Hamas war.

Commendations

On October 30, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to SUNY Purchase College for the actions and policies implemented by the administration to combat antisemitism on campus in advance of the 2024 fall semester.

The State University of New York at Purchase is supported by the Hillels of Westchester, a collaborative unit of Hillel chapters across the County.

What’s Happening on Campus?

There have been recent incidents on campus. A student was suspended in December 2023 for entering an administrator’s office and tearing down a “We Stand with Israel” poster. On Rosh Hashanah in September 2023, an Israeli flag was vandalized with antisemitic rhetoric in the campus music building; following that incident, a sukkah on campus was also damaged.

In August 2024, a message was left in chalk on campus that read "Zionists Go Home" with an inverted red triangle, a symbol associated with Hamas.

University Policies and Responsive Action

In October 2023, President Dr. Milly Peña sent an email to the campus community saying her administration was “collaborating on a plan” to address campus antisemitism through education, dialogue, and empathy.

In May 2024, following the arrest of 70 pro-Palestinian protestors on the University campus, an agreement was reached between the administration and the protestors that included the promise of a meeting between a committee of students and the relevant board to discuss ethical investing and no disciplinary consequences for those arrested provided they do not violate any more policies.

In advance of the 2024-25 academic year, the College published a new “College Commitment to Freedom of Speech” webpage, consolidating and clarifying policies governing free speech, Title VI obligations and existing reporting mechanisms.

The College also released a new “Diversity Defined” resource, which states that the College “will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination and harassment” and stands with “with Governor Hochul in rejecting BDS.”

Additionally, alongside the Title VI and anti-bias required training for faculty, all students are now required to complete an anti-bias training titled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Students.” The College is currently developing a specific webpage for antisemitism resources and education, has established an Interfaith Council and has received funding to create an interfaith prayer, meditation and reflection space.

SUNY Purchase has also hosted a workshop on conflict management, and the College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion has collaborated with “Fostering (Dis)Agreement,” a campus collective of faculty and staff who have come together for open and constructive dialogue on the student protest movement, the October 7th attacks, and the Israel-Hamas war.

Commendations

On October 30, 2024, ADL issued a commendation to SUNY Purchase College for the actions and policies implemented by the administration to combat antisemitism on campus in advance of the 2024 fall semester.