ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)--THE COMBATTING CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM ACT IS THE NAME OF A PENDING BILL IN ALBANY THAT WOULD WITHOLD TUITION ASSISTANCE FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO "KNOWINGLY ENGAGE IN PROMOTING ANTISEMITISM."

“Let’s get it passed and signed by the Governor so we can really hit these kids and students that are chanting these antisemitic slogans and threats. Hit them where it hurts, in their pocket,” said Sen. Bill Weber (R-38th Senate District).

MANY REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ARE PUSHING FOR THE LEGISLATION, WHICH IS CURRENTLY STILL IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE, AT A TIME WHEN PRO PALESTINIAN PROTESTS CONTINUE TO GROW ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

SOME DEMOCRATS BLAST Republicans' EFFORTS– SAYING THIS IS NOT AN ATTEMPT TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM BUT INSTEAD IS AN ATTEMPT TO SQUASH STUDENTS' FREE SPEECH AND FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY RIGHTS.  

“I think this bill is completely bad faith and that it seeks to criminalize and punish students for saying things as simple as ‘free Palestine’ or pushing for divestment of their schools from the war machine,” said Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-25th Senate District).

Sen. Brisport said he doesn't see the bill getting far this session.