Authorities take action to prevent violence on university campuses

To monitor and respond to potential protests on campuses and potential threats to student safety, Governor Kathy Hochul, State Police, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services met to reinforce expectations and connect campus leaders with necessary resources.

Governor Hochul met with leaders from more than 200 college campuses across New York State, as well as public safety experts, to reinforce the importance of emergency planning before students return to campus for the fall semester.

“Public safety is my top priority, and as classes resume, it is essential that all students feel safe and free from harm,” said Governor Hochul. “Last spring, I directed college campuses to review and update their emergency response plans, and as tensions may be high as the academic year begins, I will continue to ensure that all campus leaders and public safety officials have the resources they need to keep students safe.”

Response plans

In the spring of 2024, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) conducted reviews of campus emergency response plans and held multiple training sessions with higher education institutions across New York State. Throughout the summer, the New York State Police worked closely with campuses to enhance emergency planning and remains committed to working to ensure comprehensive measures are in place to protect school communities.

These training sessions were consistent with and based on the U.S. Department of Education’s recently released college planning toolkit. This toolkit provides law enforcement, college administrators, and leaders with a methodology for maintaining both student safety and civil liberties on campus, focused on building resilient places of study, planning for crisis response, maintaining engagement during a crisis, and individual and community recovery.

Against hate

Wednesday’s call is the latest action by Gov. Hochul to address hate, bias, and anti-Semitism on campus. Last year, she wrote a letter to all New York colleges and universities, reiterating their obligation under New York State human rights law and Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act to provide an educational environment free from harassment and discrimination. The letter was sent after a Congressional hearing on anti-Semitism in which several college presidents failed to denounce anti-Semitism and called for genocide on college campuses in clear and unequivocal terms.

In anticipation of potential issues and protests during the Fall 2024 semester, NYSP has directed troop commanders to visit university administration on campuses of interest prior to the start of the Fall semester. Troop commanders have been directed to discuss the university’s stance and course of action in the event of protests and to obtain information regarding the university’s attendance expectations.

Jackie Bray, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said, “Hate and violence have no place on college campuses, where the peaceful exchange of thoughts and ideas should prevail. Governor Hochul has taken a strong stance to help ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff, and DHSES is pleased to be able to assist campus security and local law enforcement with training to help protect them.”