New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) referenced the series of racist, anti-Semitic and bias-related incidents that have occurred at Syracuse University in his 2020 State of the State address Wednesday. 

At least 19 racist, anti-Semitic and bias-related incidents have occurred on or near SU since Nov. 7, sparking student protests. Several city and state politicians, including Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and State Sen. Rachel May, D-N.Y., have condemned the slew of hate crimes and bias-related incidents. 

“We see the results of diversity being viewed as a weakness rather than a strength,” Cuomo said in his speech. “It’s the rise in the KKK, the attacks on the LGBTQ community, the attacks on the Muslim community. We see it in Syracuse University.” 

Cuomo’s annual address outlines the governor’s proposals for the new year. This year, Cuomo concluded his speech by addressing a recent rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes in the state, including an attack in Rockland County, New York, that left five people seriously wounded on Hanukkah.

Anger and division worsen existing injustice, frustration and anxiety, Cuomo said. 

“This growing fear and division is an American cancer that is spreading through this country’s body politic,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo on Nov. 11 directed the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force and the state Division of Human Rights to investigate racist graffiti found Nov. 7 on two floors of Day Hall. The vandalized floors were the first bias-related incidents reported in November.  

“I’m disgusted by the recent rash of hateful language found scrawled on the walls at Syracuse University,” Cuomo said in a press release that night. “These types of hateful and bigoted actions seek to splinter and segregate our communities, and they have no place in New York.” 

The governor said in the release that he and officials would do everything in their power to prosecute any responsible individuals “to the fullest extent of the law.” 

Cuomo later criticized Chancellor Kent Syverud’s handling of the hate crimes and bias-related incidents in a Nov. 19 statement, saying that Syverud hadn’t dealt with the incidents “in a way that instills confidence.” 

“(The incidents) have not been handled in a manner that reflects this state’s aggressive opposition to such odious, reckless, reprehensible behavior,” Cuomo said in the statement.

Cuomo’s statement also called on SU’s Board of Trustees to bring in an “experienced monitor” to further investigate the incidents. SU’s Board of Trustees on Dec. 12 announced the creation of a special committee and independent panel to jointly address campus climate, diversity and inclusion.

The Board of Trustees Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion will evaluate SU’s current diversity and inclusion policies and recommend improvements, according to an SU News release. 

Published on January 8, 2020 at 9:50 pm

Contact Michael: msessa@syr.edu | @MichaelSessa3