Following a controversial commencement speech at CUNY Law School, groups are demanding action from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and questioning the university's handling of the situation. The speech, delivered by graduate Fatima Mousa Mohammed, contained strong criticisms of Israel and the United States, sparking accusations of antisemitism and anti-American sentiment.

StopAntisemitism, a Jewish advocacy organization, has called for the removal of CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, citing his "complete disregard for the safety of his Jewish students." They point to Mohammed's speech, as well as previous incidents at CUNY, including last year's commencement address and Title VI complaints filed by Jewish students, as evidence of a pattern of antisemitism within the university system.

Fatima Mohammed delivering her commencement speech at CUNY Law School. (Getty | Screenshot/CUNY)

The speech also drew condemnation from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who attended the commencement and later labeled Mohammed's remarks as "vile anti-American and anti-Israel speech promoting hate."

Furthermore, some activist groups and a City Council member are urging that Mohammed be prevented from practicing law, even if she passes the bar exam, arguing that she does not meet the necessary "character and fitness" requirements. Council member Inna Vernikov has formally requested that Mohammed's admission to the bar be denied should she pass the exam, while the Lawfare Project, a civil rights group, has appealed to the New York Supreme Court to address the issue.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul faces pressure to address the controversy surrounding the CUNY Law commencement speech. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Rep. Mike Lawler has gone so far as to suggest that CUNY should lose its federal funding as a consequence of the speech. As of yet, Governor Hochul's office has not issued a public response to the calls for action.