New York, NY (May 25, 2026)

Moshe Spern is voicing support for renewed efforts to strengthen protections around schools during demonstrations, while also raising broader concerns about antisemitism in the city.

Spern recently joined a program hosted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo to discuss legislation being advanced by City Council Speaker Julie Menin. The measure is aimed at addressing protest activity near schools and comes amid continued debate over how the city should balance public safety, student access and free speech rights.

I had the opportunity to call into @andrewcuomo show yesterday to discuss @SpeakerMenin new bill to protect schools from protests and plus share my continuing concerns about the @NYCMayor and the rising antisemitism in the city. Thank you former Governor Cuomo for having me on. pic.twitter.com/NBrq0ofS0Y

— Moshe Spern (@moshespern) May 25, 2026

The latest proposal follows earlier controversy over a school protest safety measure that was vetoed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Council leaders have since moved toward a revised version that more narrowly focuses on early childhood programs and most K–12 schools, while leaving out colleges and other institutions that had raised concerns among critics of the prior bill.

Clearer rules are needed to protect students, parents and school staff from harassment or intimidation when protests take place near educational settings. Children should not have to navigate hostile demonstrations while entering or leaving school.

Spern, who has previously spoken out about antisemitism in New York City schools and civic institutions, said the issue should be viewed as part of a larger challenge facing Jewish New Yorkers. He has expressed concern that city leadership has not done enough to confront antisemitic rhetoric and incidents with the urgency they require.