CUNY allocates $100M for campus safety personnel and contracts amid security challenges

The Finance, Higher Education, and Government Operations Committee of New York City convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing on public safety measures and support for disability services within the City University of New York (CUNY) system.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the university's commitment to enhancing campus safety. Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez outlined the authority granted to campuses to utilize contracts for additional public safety staffing. This initiative follows last year's experiences at the City College of New York (CCNY), which prompted an investment of nearly $100 million in safety measures. The funding has resulted in the deployment of approximately 875 permanent security personnel, supplemented by 275 contracted staff, totaling around 1,150 security personnel across the system.

The Chancellor emphasized the importance of these measures, stating that university presidents are instructed to activate these contracts as needed for security or special events. The central office also maintains a security contract and deploys "safe teams" to campuses based on specific situations. Despite challenges in recruiting permanent security personnel, the Chancellor expressed confidence in the current staffing levels and the effectiveness of the safety measures in place.

In addition to public safety, the committee discussed the Office of Disability Services, which is seeking $2.1 million in funding that was not included in the executive budget. This request highlights the ongoing need for support services for students with disabilities within the CUNY system.

The discussions during the hearing underscore the administration's focus on ensuring campus safety and addressing the needs of all students, particularly those requiring additional support. The outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the university's budget and resource allocation for the upcoming fiscal year.