Albany, NY – In response to the ongoing student protests occurring on New York State college campuses, Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, Chair of the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus released the following statement:

“Institutions of higher learning have long been bastions of democracy, centered on freedom of speech, thought, and expression. These values, core to the foundation of our country, uphold the principle that it is not the state's role to dilute the voices of its citizens – not because people are infallible, but because free expression is the cornerstone of our democracy. This is particularly important for our students, many of whom are experiencing independence for the first time. As these young adults prepare to participate actively, we must empower them and their peers to be vocal advocates for a peaceful, more democratic world.

While the right to protest is absolutely fundamental to our nation, it is essential to make it clear that such actions should not incite violence or hatred against our fellow New Yorkers. There is a long history of anti-war and anti-racism protests at American universities and colleges, but advocacy efforts must not devolve into anti-Semitism, islamophobia, and other forms of hate that poison their important message of peace.”