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Lawmakers press university leaders on antisemitism, international MOUs and campus protections
Summary
Legislators questioned presidents about recent antisemitic incidents, enforcement of campus policies, and an MOU between William Paterson University and Birzeit University; university leaders described internal reviews, partnerships with civil‑society groups, and plans to reexamine dormant agreements.
Members of the Assembly Budget Committee pressed campus leaders about student safety and international partnerships during the same hearing that discussed FY26 budget cuts.
An assembly member described recent campus antisemitic incidents in stark terms and asked what universities are doing to "quell this disease." President Holloway of Rutgers said the university conducted internal reviews, held listening sessions and town halls, and partnered with organizations such as the Anti‑Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee to revise training and to align time, place and manner restrictions with student safety needs. He emphasized that policies existed but needed more consistent application and that heightened security and additional programming had been implemented.
Separately, a legislator raised concerns about a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between William Paterson University and Birzeit University in the West Bank, noting allegations that Birzeit excludes Jewish students. Will De Vega, presenting for William Paterson, said the MOU includes a nondiscrimination clause, has been dormant for years, and that the university will reexamine the agreement during its upcoming renewal process. De Vega said no exchange students or faculty from Birzeit have participated under the MOU during his tenure.
Committee members asked for documentation and for universities to provide more specifics on minutes, training materials and the practical steps taken to protect Jewish and Muslim students. President Holloway and other presidents said they will continue to engage affected communities and report back with details.
