A controversial resolution supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel has been narrowly approved by the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Professors’ Union, sparking fierce debate and criticism.
At a Glance
- CUNY’s Professional Staff Congress (PSC) narrowly passed a pro-BDS resolution
- The resolution calls for complete divestment from Israeli investments by 2026
- Governor Kathy Hochul strongly opposes the resolution and BDS movement
- The vote has reignited discussions about antisemitism and academic freedom
- Critics argue the resolution is one-sided and ignores Hamas’ role in the conflict
Union’s Contentious Decision
The Professional Staff Congress (PSC), representing CUNY faculty and staff, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by approving a resolution in support of the BDS movement against Israel. The decision, which passed by a razor-thin margin of 73 to 70 votes, calls for the complete divestment of the pension system from Israeli investments by January 2026.
This resolution has drawn sharp criticism for its one-sided approach to the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Notably, the document criticizes Israel’s actions in Gaza without mentioning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel or subsequent cease-fire and hostage exchanges. This omission has led many to question the resolution’s objectivity and fairness.
The PSC’s decision has not gone unnoticed by state leadership. Governor Kathy Hochul, a staunch opponent of the BDS movement, has publicly condemned the resolution and reaffirmed her commitment to combating antisemitism.
“In my first week as Governor, I signed an Executive Order to divest public funds from institutions that participate in the harmful BDS movement — and that order remains in effect,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Governor Hochul’s Executive Order presents a potential legal challenge to the implementation of the PSC’s resolution. The conflict between the union’s stance and state policy highlights the broader national debate surrounding the BDS movement and its impact on academic institutions.
It’s always funny when you see even committed anti-Trump Democrats admit that they have an anti-semitism problem on their side.
Implications for CUNY and Academic Freedom
The PSC’s decision is not occurring in a vacuum. It follows a pattern of anti-Israel actions by CUNY professors and students, including a 2021 resolution and 2022 law school support for BDS. These actions have raised concerns about the climate for Jewish students and faculty on CUNY campuses.
An independent probe has already found that CUNY needs reforms to address antisemitism. The latest resolution may further complicate efforts to create an inclusive and respectful academic environment. It also raises questions about the role of unions in taking political stances on international conflicts and the potential impact on academic freedom and diverse viewpoints within the university system.
The Teachers’ Retirement System of NYC currently has significant investments in Israeli companies and bonds. The PSC’s call for divestment, if implemented, could have substantial financial implications for the pension system and its beneficiaries. A volunteer committee is set to be created to explore further divestment options, but the practicality and legality of such moves remain in question.
We have serious problems in our schools and universities.
