The student government at the CUNY Graduate Center has approved a resolution to boycott the use of student activity fees to purchase goods that support or benefit from the US-backed Israeli occupation of Palestine. Critics have criticized this move as antisemitic and illegal.
The list of boycotted items includes Sabra brand hummus, Starbucks coffee, food and drinks from McDonald’s, Burger King, Papa John’s, and fruits or vegetables grown in Israel. Additionally, HP computers and printers, Siemens appliances, Sodastream products, and Ahava cosmetics are also included in the boycott.
The resolution, passed with a 31 to 8 vote and 5 abstentions, will go into effect on November 1. It prohibits the use of student fees for products or services that support the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Critics argue that the boycott is antisemitic and violates the free speech rights of students who support Israel. They also point out that New York Governor’s executive order mandates state entities to divest public funds from supporting the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions campaign against Israel.
In addition to the boycott, the resolution calls on the City University of New York to support boycott, divestment, and other sanctions against Israel. It also demands free tuition from CUNY to avoid reliance on Zionist and imperialist private donors.
CUNY schools have faced anti-Israel campus violence in the past, with incidents like the occupation of the CUNY Graduate Center’s library and protests at City College of New York causing significant damage. A recent probe initiated by Governor Kathy Hochul found that CUNY needs a comprehensive overhaul to address alarming antisemitism on its campuses. Please provide the text that you would like me to rewrite.