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Views From the Capitol
June 27th, 2011

Wondering what it was like in Albany leading up to the historic same-sex marriage vote. Here are some pictures (of varying quality) I took last week. Feel free to share any photos of your own–from the Capitol, or from the celebrations across the state. Feel free to tweet them to @davidhowardking or @gothamgazette.

By David King on June 27, 2011, 3:08 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Why Sen. Kevin Parker Got Mad
June 25th, 2011

Last night as the country watched the New York State Senate vote on same-sex marriage things came to a jarring halt. Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, who was presiding over the chamber, called session into recess to find out what was happening on the floor. Were you watching? Did you wonder what was going on?

Essentially the Senate rules were changed in a backroom agreement before session started and then changed again during the vote to make sure it would be concluded to make the 11 p.m. newscasts.

Sen. Kevin Parker, a long time proponent of same-sex marriage, was informed by Senate staff that he would not be able to explain his vote. He was livid. He cursed out the governor and eventually stormed to the podium where Duffy was presiding — a number of other Democratic senators followed him, seemingly to calm him down.

Earlier when Sen. Ruben Diaz tried to lay the marriage bill aside he was ignored. Normal Senate procedure allows for any senator to lay a bill aside for debate. It gives legislators a chance to debate the bill then when they vote, they again have the chance to explain their vote. But the rules weren’t the same.

Parker told the Gazette that around 7 or 8 p.m. the Senate Democratic conference met and discussed a deal. “We were informed of he procedure,” said Parker. “Everyone knew Rev. Diaz  was going to lay the bill aside but we agreed not to debate the bill after he laid it aside. We would call the roll and all be able to explain our votes. We would be given two minutes each.”

The Gazette and a number of other sources reported the proposed limited debate earlier in the week. I was told to expect it by multiple senators earlier yesterday morning. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 25, 2011, 6:19 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany, Governing, Law | 17 Comments »

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Ball Will Vote No
June 23rd, 2011

The ever controversial Sen. Greg Ball has announced after a few weeks of teasing and working on religious exemptions that he will vote against the same-sex marriage bill. That leaves three undecided Republicans. A number of Republicans, including Ball, have stated that they think same-sex marriage will pass if it comes to a vote. If the vote takes place it will happen very late tonight, as the Assembly and Senate aren’t expected to start passing parts of the major deal until after 9 or 930, or  even possibly tomorrow, or next week. Who knows? Here is Ball’s statement:

“Knowing that marriage equality was likely to pass, I thought it important to force the issue of religious protections. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the distinct opportunity of listening to literally thousands of residents, on both sides of this issue, by holding an undecided stance. I thought it was important to listen to all of my constituents and hold an undecided position until the actual bill language was written and everyone’s voice had been heard. Now that the final text is public, I am proud that I have secured some strong protections for religious institutions and basic protections for religious organizations. The bill still lacks many of the basic religious protections I thought were vital, and for this reason, and as I did in the Assembly, I will be voting ‘no.’”

Republicans tried to beat ball in a primary last year because of the many controversies surrounding his behavior towards women. But he won the Republican primary and moved from the Assembly to the Senate.

By David King on June 23, 2011, 8:43 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Hurry Up And Wait
June 23rd, 2011

Bills still haven’t been printed for the “big ugly” so legislators aren’t voting on them which means we could all be in Albany for a very long time. Lobbyists and legislators are running out of clothes, protesters seem to be getting louder (it could be me though) and the overcast skies keep dripping sheets of rain down on all of us. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos emerged after meeting with Gov. Andrew Cuomo this morning telling reporters that he and his members will finally conference gay marriage to decide when and if to bring same-sex marriage to a vote in the senate. Skelos said he expects it to be a lengthy conference.Same-sex marriage lobbyists are saying that the vote is basically a done deal if it takes place–we will see.

Meanwhile it isn’t clear if all the details are set for the contents of the “big ugly”–that includes issues with rent and mandate relief. Lobbyists and others are saying they expect to be back in Albany early next week.

By David King on June 23, 2011, 12:24 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Krueger Looks To Lady Gaga On #SSM
June 22nd, 2011

Senate Democrats have a hot new Twitter hash tag:  “#letusVote” to prod Senate Republicans to bring same-sex marriage legislation to the floor for a vote. Sen. Liz Krueger is credited with creating the tag and she has been trying to get prominent same-sex marriage proponents to use it. “@ladygaga #NYSenate needs your help!” Krueger tweeted. “Can you & ur Little Monsters pls help us trend #letusVOTE We want to vote for #samesexmarriage in NY” Lady Gaga has yet to pick up the tag says,” Krueger spokeswoman Katie Kincaid,” but we’re working on it
and in one day this # has picked up some serious steam, so we’ll keep on working at it.”A number of other Democratic senators and activists have picked up the call. Gaga has been calling legislators and lobbying them to bring marriage to a vote.

Senate Republicans spent a good amount of time during their two years in the minority kvetching about the majority’s ability to block any bill they didn’t want to come to a vote and now they are doing the thing they claimed so steadfastly to stand against. Advocates wonder how it is that a deal came together that does not include gay marriage and why when asked Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos continues to claim same-sex marriage was not discussed in meetings.

“The debate over same sex marriage is clearly one which deserves a vote. It would be a huge disservice to all New Yorkers, on both sides of the argument, if we left Albany without voting on the issue. Where’s the democracy in that?” asked Kincaid.

By David King on June 22, 2011, 6:21 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Cuomo's Democratic Credentials
June 22nd, 2011

Its a dreary rainy day in Albany that has brought yet another leaders meeting and a lot more of the same–waiting. According to Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos there remain a number of sticking points in the deal on rent regulations and mandate relief. He expects to vote on parts of the deal this afternoon–including the SUNY 2020 deal. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said that he would like to finish voting on all the issues today. But Skelos  repeated a familiar refrain–that same sex marriage was not part of the discussion with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and  Silver. A refrain that has disturbed both same-sex marriage advocates and Democratic legislators. Their faith in Cuomo’s negotiations are waning.

As the details of the deal are hashed out few Democratic legislators and tenant advocates are not exactly hopeful that the rent deal will get any better for them. An emergency meeting of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative caucus was called today to discuss the rent deal. Yesterday many minority legislators from the city were trying to come to terms with the deal Cuomo negotiated. They thought they had made it clear him that he needed to deliver big on rent laws if he wanted their continued support.

For the last three months members have been talking about how the Cuomo administration has neglected them and could only make it right with a big delivery on rent laws and a vote on gay marriage to prove that Cuomo is still a Democrat. With such small gains in the rent package lawmakers are wondering whose side Cuomo is on and what exactly he was able to get for Democrats in the deal. It seems almost certain that gay marriage will pass if it comes to a vote but Skelos has made it clear that his members will decide whether to bring it to a vote.

With only a few days likely left of session in Albany minority lawmakers are trying to decide how best to represent themselves and their districts–go along with the popular Cuomo but go back to their districts with very little to show for it, or demand more of Cuomo, challenge the popular and powerful governor and be able to make it clear to their constituents that their best efforts were thwarted. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 22, 2011, 2:13 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany, Housing | No Comments »

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Bloomberg's Full Remarks on Same-Sex Marriage
June 16th, 2011

Here are Bloomberg’s full comments following his visit with the Senate Republican Majority:

“If you remember, at our founding, African-Americans were held in bondage. Catholics in New York could not hold office. Those without property could not vote. Women could not vote or hold office. And homosexuality, in some places, was a crime punishable by death.

“One by one, over many long years, the legal prohibitions to freedom and equality were overcome – some on the battlefield, some at the State House, and some in the courthouse.

“Throughout our history, each and every generation has expanded upon the freedoms won by their parents and grandparents. Each and every generation has removed some of the barriers to full participation in the American dream. And the next great barrier standing before our generation is the prohibition on marriage for same-sex couples. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 16, 2011, 2:38 pm
In category: Albany, City Hall, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Assembly Passes Same-Sex Marriage *Update*
June 15th, 2011

The New York State Assembly just passed a marriage equality bill by a vote of 80-63. The margin of victory is the lowest ever in the Assembly. Similar legislation has been approved by the Assembly four times now.

“This is a matter of equity and justice,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. “New Yorkers should have the right to marry whom they choose. Partners unable to enter into a civil marriage, and their children, lack basic legal protections taken for granted by married couples.”

“Today, the Assembly has yet again put itself solidly on the side of justice and equality for all in New York State,” said Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell. “This is the fourth time that we in the Assembly have passed Marriage Equality under Speaker Silver’s unwavering support and leadership, and my courageous colleagues who have supported the bill since 2007 deserve immense praise and thanks. This action takes us one step closer to removing legalized discrimination from our law books and reclaiming New York’s position as a leader in equality for our nation.”

The bill now goes to the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his conference are supposed to continue their debate over what to do about the bill tomorrow morning.

Here is Silver’s statement: Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 15, 2011, 9:20 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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Silver On Rent Extension *Update*
June 15th, 2011

As the Assembly finished up its vote on same-sex marriage legislation Speaker Sheldon Silver released a statement saying he the Assembly will pass an extension to New York’s rent laws. The same sex marriage looks to be close..but it seems that it will pass. Same-sex marriage passed by a margin of 80-63 and the Assembly approved the rent law extension by a vote of 90-42.

Here is Silver’s statement:

“The Governor has sent, and the Assembly has agreed to pass, a short-term emergency extension to New York’s rent laws. This extension will expire at 3 p.m. on Friday. The Assembly Majority is committed to keeping housing affordable for more than two million New Yorkers and remains focused on expanding and strengthening these laws. That’s why the Assembly passed legislation more than a month ago to renew and expand rent laws. With the Governor’s leadership we hope to convince our colleagues in the State Senate to commit to strengthening these laws so that middle class New Yorker’s are able to remain in their homes.”

By David King on June 15, 2011, 9:04 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany, Housing | 1 Comment »

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Good News/Bad News For Same Sex Marriage
June 15th, 2011

The Assembly intends to vote on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s same-sex marriage program bill today. Cuomo provided the chamber with a message of necessity and the bill is expected to pass.

On the other hand, Senate Republicans met as a conference to discuss whether to bring the bill to a vote in their chamber and after four hours they emerged with no news. “We will continue to conference the issue tomorrow,” Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos told reporters. The Senate had been scheduled to begin session at 11 this morning.

By David King on June 15, 2011, 2:45 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Full Steam Ahead on Gay Marriage
June 14th, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has introduced a program bill to allow all couples to marry in New York State. This is the same-sex marriage bill that Cuomo said he would only introduce if he had the votes to pass it. The bill says that religious institutions and benevolent organizations do can limit who uses their facilities for marriage ceremonies and says that no minister or clergy person has to “solemnize” a marriage. The bill would become law 30 days after Cuomo signs it.

“From the fight for women’s suffrage to the struggle for civil rights, New Yorkers have been on the right side of history. But on the issue of marriage equality, our state has fallen behind,” Cuomo said in a statement. “For too long, same-sex couples have been denied the freedom to marry, as well as hundreds of rights that other New Yorkers take for granted. Marriage Equality is a matter of fairness and legal security for thousands of families in this state — not of religion or culture. When it comes to fighting for what’s right, New Yorkers wrote the book, and Marriage Equality is the next chapter of our civil rights story.”

Here is the press release from Cuomo’s office: Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 14, 2011, 3:28 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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Three Dems For Gay Marriage
June 13th, 2011

Sens. Joseph Addabbo, Shirley Huntley and Carl Kruger announced today that they support gay marriage. That means 29 of 30 Democrats now support gay marriage while it remains unclear exactly where the Republicans stand.

The Post reported this morning that seven Republicans have told Gov. Andrew Cuomo that they support gay marriage. But some of the legislators cited in the story have told other reporters that they oppose gay marriage.

Cuomo told reporters at a conference this afternoon that passage of the bill is up to the Senate Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said he plans to discuss the bill with his conference tomorrow.

Cuomo plans to meet with gay marriage advocates today and then decide whether to introduce the bill. The bill would have to come later this week unless the governor issued a letter of necessity. Some legislators say they expect session to be over by Friday even though session is scheduled to go til next Monday. There is so much many issues left to be hashed out this year that it seems unlikely legislators will get an early exit. But who knows–this is Albany.

By David King on June 13, 2011, 4:25 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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Tallying the Marriage Votes
June 13th, 2011

This morning we cited a story in the Post reporting that seven Republicans have told Gov. Andrew Cuomo they are prepared to vote in favor of marriage equality if and when the measure comes to the Senate floor.

The story by Fred Dicker cited Kemp Hannon of Nassau County, Charles Fuschillo of Suffolk County, Betty Little of Glens Falls, Andrew Lanza of Staten Island, Greg Ball of Putnam County, James Alesi of Rochester and Roy McDonald of Rensselaer County — all of whom voted against marriage equality when the issue went down to defeat in December 2009 — as being “unexpected potential Senate Republican ‘yes’ votes.” Their switch, along with that of some Democrats, would be “more than enough to put the controversial and historic measure over the top this week, ” Dicker wrote.

But supporters of same-sex marriage should not pop the cork on the champagne bottles yet. Several of the senators cited in Dicker’s piece have told Liz Benjamin of State of Politics that they remain opposed to gay marriage. These include Hannon, Little and Fuschillo.

And in an interview with the Times, Alesi played it coy saying, “I do believe in the sanctity of marriage… I grew up a Roman Catholic. It’s a sacrament,” and then adding, “It’s a sacrament that exists in the 21st century.”

While no Republicans publicly backs the bill, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos has said he will let members vote their conscience on the matter.

As for Democrats, the Times reports that one or more of three previously undecided Democrats who voted no last time around — Shirley Huntley, Joseph Addabbo and Carl Kruger — could endorse the bill in the next day or so.

By Gail Robinson on June 13, 2011, 2:35 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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Morgenthau and Silver On Secure Communities
June 1st, 2011

Former Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau has nothing but praise for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s  decision to suspend New York’s involvement in the Secure Communities program.

A number of law enforcement officials from across the state also have praised Cuomo for the move — along with a number of legislators and civil rights groups. The Gazette reported last week that Cuomo was considering withdrawing from the program and was likely to make a decision soon.

“I have long been concerned about the issues that arise when local police indiscriminately share information with federal immigration authorities. Specifically, cooperation with federal immigration officials creates a lack of trust in law enforcement among the public. This makes it hard for police and prosecutors to do their jobs because immigrants become reluctant to report crimes or cooperate with investigations,” said Morgenthau in a detailed statement. “That is why, during the 35 years I was district attorney in Manhattan, my policy was to never share the names of individuals involved with the criminal justice system to immigration authorities until after they were convicted of a serious crime. ”

Morgenthau’s full statement and comments from Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 1, 2011, 7:46 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Crime & Safety, Eye on Albany, Immigrants | 2 Comments »

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Cuomo Suspends Participation in Secure Communities
June 1st, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo just announced that he will suspend New York’s participation in the federal Secure Communities program that sends finger print data from local police departments to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program is designed to catch illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes but data has shown that the program has led mostly to the deportation of immigrants who have no criminal record. We reported last week that Cuomo was close to make a decision about withdrawing from the program. Cuomo was under pressure from Latino legislators who have been increasingly concerned that the immigrant community will be scared to contact police, or use emergency services for fear that they will be deported through the program.

“There are concerns about the implementation of the program as well as its impact on families, immigrant communities and law enforcement in New York,” Cuomo said in a statement. “As a result, New York is suspending its participation in the program.” It isn’t exactly clear that Cuomo can withdraw from the program. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn withdrew from the program last month but was quickly informed by the Department of Homeland Security that he could not and that soon participation will be mandatory for the entire country. The program was initially sold to states as being voluntary. Emails between Gov. David Paterson and an ICE representative recently revealed that Paterson only signed on to the program only after being told that the program was optional for every locality.

Cuomo’s move has earned him high praise from Hispanic legislators as well as civil rights groups and law enforcement officials.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus of the Senate, said in a statement, “I applaud Governor Cuomo for having the courage to put an end to this program’s existence in New York. The Secure Communities program has frightened victims and witnesses of crime from coming forward. We need to make our neighborhoods safe places for our families and not take part in a problematic and contradictory program that hinders our safety.”

Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, “We applaud Governor Cuomo for taking the bold step of removing New York State from the Secure Communities initiative, which, despite its name, has become a sore subject for those who work day and night to make our neighborhoods safer. We need to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected, and the decision to remove our state from this program is a positive move for all New Yorkers.”

John Poklemba, Counsel to the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, said in a statement, “Governor Cuomo has made the right decision to take New York State out of the controversial Secure Communities program. This program unfortunately has had a negative impact on our crime-fighting efforts. Law enforcement must have tools and resources that are both effective and fair.”

For more reaction, check here and here.

Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on June 1, 2011, 4:05 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany, Immigrants | 3 Comments »

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Bloomberg, Bruno, DiNapoli Push Marriage Equality
May 26th, 2011

A number of prominent politicos have sent out strong messages today in favor of same-sex marriage.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave gave a major speech on marriage equality at Cooper Union today. He was joined by his niece Rachel Tiven who is a lesbian. Bloomberg again called for Senate Republicans to bring a gay marriage bill to a vote. “It is my hope that members of the State Senate majority will recognize that supporting marriage equality is not only consistent with our civic principles – it is consistent with conservative principles. Conservatives believe that government should not intrude into people’s personal lives and it’s just none of government’s business who you love.”

Former Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno told Fred Dicker on his radio show this morning that he favors gay marriage despite having stood against it for years. “It really comes down in my mind to equal rights for everyone because there are certain benefits that accrue to people who are united in marriage. So yes I support it, I think the time has come and I think that people have a right for their own expression,” Bruno said.

Finally, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released a video with New Yorkers for Marriage Equality and stated his emphatic support for same-sex marriage.

Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on May 26, 2011, 3:16 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 2 Comments »

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Bloomberg Wants a Vote on Same-Sex Marriage *Update*
May 17th, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo may not want to bring same-sex marriage legislation to the floor if it has any chance of failing but Mayor Michael Bloomberg says he thinks a vote is the only appropriate way to judge support of the bill. Bloomberg was in Albany today with Council Speaker Christine Quinn to lobby Republican senators on same-sex marriage legislation and he had this to say on the matter:

“I think the public has a right to know where their legislator stands and the only place where you can really find that out is when they have to register that vote publicly.”

Cuomo told reporters last week that he has no interest in seeing marriage legislation fail again:

“The discussions that I’ve had with the collective group that is working on this in a unified way is we want to pass a bill. we don’t want to bring a bill up in the Senate that will fail, right? We don’t want to have an instant replay of last year. It’s not about having a vote for a sake of a vote. It’s about if it’s going to pass. and the conversations we’re having now will education as to whether we’ll bring the bill to a vote.”

*Update* Bloomberg reportedly stormed out of a meeting with senate Republicans this afternoon looking very unhappy.

By David King on May 17, 2011, 4:15 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | 1 Comment »

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Cuomo: No Marriage Bill Until Votes Are There
May 11th, 2011

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference earlier today that he won’t introduce a program bill in the senate to legalize gay marriage until it is clear that there are enough votes to pass the measure. There was no pending same-sex marriage bill pending in either house until Assemblyman Danny O’Donnell introduced a bill yesterday. Cuomo said that the Assembly vote is a foregone conclusion.

“The question is what’s going to happen in the Senate,” Cuomo told reporters. “The discussions that I’ve had with the collective group that is working on this in a unified way is we want to pass a bill. we don’t want to bring a bill up in the Senate that will fail, right? We don’t want to have an instant replay of last year. It’s not about having a vote for a sake of a vote. It’s about if it’s going to pass. and the conversations we’re having now will education as to whether we’ll bring the bill to a vote.”

Cuomo seemingly sent mixed signals on the issue on Monday when he did not address the a marriage for same-sex marriage in Albany that drew thousands. He sent Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy in his stead.

By David King on May 11, 2011, 2:10 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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Krueger For Marriage Equality
May 9th, 2011

Sen. Liz Krueger released an impassioned statement this afternoon in support of legalizing same-sex marriage and Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent push.

“I am extremely pleased that Gov. Cuomo has made the passage of marriage equality legislation one of his top priorities for this legislative session.  With polls now showing a clear majority of New Yorkers supporting marriage equality, I am more and more optimistic that if the Senate Majority allows the bill to come to the floor for a vote, it will have a good chance of passing,” said Krueger in a statement.

Earlier today advocates from across the state rallied at the capital to support same-sex marriage. Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy spoke to the crowd to assure them that legalizing same-sex marriage is a priority of Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “The governor has made marriage equality one of his top three legislative issues this year,” Duffy told a crowd of hundreds. “It’s something he believes in, something that he wants, something that he supports.”

Cuomo for some reason did not address the crowd despite it being in the top three of his legislative priorities. The Cuomo camp countered negative reactions to his absence by pointing out that he is robo calling in support of the measure. Sen. Tom Duane, who was the sponsor of the measure last year and is the only openly gay Senator, told the crowd that the votes aren’t there to pass a gay marriage bill in the Senate and asked the crowd to lobby legislators. Perhaps an absence of support explains why a bill to legalize same-sex marriage has yet to be introduced in either house.

Sen. Ruben Diaz, a Democrat and most outspoken opponent to same-sex marriage plans to hold a rally for “traditional marriage” in the Bronx on Sunday. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on May 9, 2011, 4:00 pm
In category: Albany, Civil Rights, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

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The Trustee vs. the Playwright
May 5th, 2011

The City University has reportedly decided to reverse John Jay College’s decision to give Tony Kushner, the acclaimed author of Angels in America and other lauded plays, an honorary degree. Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, the former Jewish liaison to Gov. George Pataki and an investment banker who sits on the CUNY board, essentially black-balled Kushner for the playwright’s criticism of Israel.

The contretemps is the latest in a series of disputes — lower profile than this one — where the debate over the Middle East has spilled into the city’s public university. Earlier this year, Brooklyn College http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/nyregion/28prof.html rescinded the appointment of adjunct professor Kristofer Petersen-Overton, when Wiesenfeld and State Assemblymember Dov Hikind questioned his views on Palestinians.

After 1,700 people signed a petition in support of Peterson-Overton, the college reversed its decision.

In September, Brooklyn College’s assignment of the book, How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? Being Young and Arab in America by college associate English professor Moustafa Bayoumi prompted criticism because it supposedly presented only one point of view (hint: not the pro Israel one). The book spurred one alumnus to cancel a previously planned “significant bequest” to the college.

As far as Kushner goes, Wiesenfeld apparently cited a web site account of Kushner’s views on Israel (a secondary source in other words) at the trustees meeting and then said, “I think it’s up to all of us to look at fairness and consider these things. Especially when the State of Israel, which is our sole democratic ally in the area, sits in the neighborhood which is almost universally dominated by administrations which are almost universally misogynist, antigay, anti-Christian.”
Read the rest of this entry »

By Gail Robinson on May 5, 2011, 12:59 pm
In category: Civil Rights, Education | 1 Comment »

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