BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — On Tuesday, a viewer reached out to us to look into an incident at Buffalo State University that resulted in a student being arrested and suspended from the university.
- A bias-related incident occurred on October 7, 2024, at SUNY Buffalo State University.
- The incident led to the arrest and interim suspension of a student.
- Interim President Bonita R. Durand, Ph.D emphasized that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated.
- The Buffalo Jewish Federation highlighted rising antisemitism and the need for community safety.
- Hate crimes in New York have increased by 12% in 2023, with 44% targeting Jewish people.
An email sent Tuesday morning to students and faculty, the administration said:
"Dear Buffalo State Community,
Yesterday an incident occurred on our campus that goes against the values we hold dear. A student was involved in a bias-related incident, which resulted in the student's arrest and immediate interim suspension from campus, pending a student conduct hearing. This type of behavior will not be tolerated at Buffalo State University.
Again, let me be clear, we will never tolerate antisemitism or any other type of discrimination or harassment on this campus."
I went to the University Council meeting Tuesday afternoon. After receiving no comment after the meeting I received this message from Interim President Durand:
"This type of behavior will not be tolerated at Buffalo State University. We are committed to maintaining a climate of civility and promoting constructive conversation."
Although details of the incident have not been released, the Buffalo Jewish Federation is highly concerned about the rising antisemitism in the country. In 2023 the NYS Comptroller's Office reported a more than 12% rise in hate crimes.
"We have felt so safe and so comfortable we felt supported in all elements of our identity including our Judaism--and that's just not the case anymore," said Miriam Abramovich, CEO of the Buffalo Jewish Federation.
Abramovich said the Federation is there to help people who have been impacted by anti-Semitic speech or incidents.
You can learn how they can help here.
