Amid growing concerns over antisemitism, the City University of New York (CUNY) has become the focus of a rigorous state-sanctioned investigation led by the private law firm Latham & Watkins. The probe, initiated by Governor Kathy Hochul last October following heightened tensions due to the Hamas attacks on Israel, aims to enhance the university’s antidiscrimination policies to better protect Jewish students and faculty.
However, the investigation has sparked a broader debate about the potential suppression of academic freedom, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian advocacy. Faculty members and union representatives have voiced concerns that the inquiry’s real aim might be to silence dissenting voices at the university.
“This investigation reminds me of the McCarthy era, where accusations were used as tools of fear to silence opposition,” noted Babe Howell, a professor at CUNY Law, who opted not to meet with investigators despite their surprise appearances at faculty meetings.
The scope of the inquiry extends to scrutinizing campus events and materials, examining university policies, and assessing how CUNY balances free speech with student safety. The investigative team’s presence at the CUNY School of Law has been particularly pronounced, leading to heightened tensions among faculty members.
Governor Hochul has reiterated her commitment to combating hate. “The Governor has repeatedly condemned all forms of hate on college campuses and continues to work towards ensuring that all New Yorkers, irrespective of faith or background, feel and are safe,” stated Kara Fesolovich, a spokesperson for Hochul.
However, the approach taken by the investigators has raised eyebrows. Reports from faculty meetings describe Latham & Watkins attorneys seeking detailed information about specific events and participants, actions that some view as overreaching. Sudha Setty, Dean of CUNY Law, expressed her reservations by refusing to comply with requests for comprehensive lists of past law school events. “We do not keep records of such materials and speakers and would not share them even if we did,” Setty communicated in an email to faculty.
Critics of the investigation argue that it conflates opposition to Israeli political policies, or Zionism, with antisemitism, potentially stifling legitimate political discourse. A faculty statement from CUNY Law School warned against this conflation, emphasizing the need to distinguish between hateful actions and political speech.
The ongoing investigation not only examines the immediate allegations of antisemitism but also sets the stage for a broader discussion about the limits of speech and academic inquiry on campus.
