IRS urged to REVOKE CUNY’s tax-exempt status after ‘hateful’ speech by law graduates

The IRS has been urged by two Jewish advocacy groups to revoke City University of New York’s tax-exempt status after a graduate delivered a speech labeled an “explicit display of anti-Semitism.”

The National Jewish Advocacy Center and the International Legal Forum said Fatima Mousa Mohammed’s speech on May 12 was part of CUNY’s ‘long-term promotion of anti-Semitism’.

The group sent a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel alleging that CUNY is engaged in “ongoing lobbying” and repeatedly engaged in “in activities that institutionally promote a specific political position against Israel.” This, the groups say, means the university should not qualify for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

In her opening speech in May, Yemeni immigrant Mohammed told fellow students: “I want to celebrate CUNY Law as one of the few, if not the only, law school to make a public statement defending the right of its students to organize and to pronounce. against Israeli colonialism.’

She also made a series of other inflammatory claims, including that “the law is a manifestation of white supremacy” and that the NYPD and the US military are “fascist” organizations.

The letter demanding that the university’s tax-exempt status be revoked reads: “This speech has drawn widespread condemnation from federal, state and local lawmakers, as well as civil society leaders, the Jewish community and even the mayor of New York City.” York, Eric Adams, for his extremist rhetoric, divisive nature and explicit display of anti-Semitism.’

The letter stated that the speech “did not take place in a vacuum.” It also cited CUNY’s Faculty Board approval in 2022 of a resolution supporting the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS).

Arsen Ostrovsky, the CEO of the International Legal Forum, a pro-Israel group that has called for CUNY to lose its tax-exempt status

“CUNY’s clearly recognizable pattern of speakers expressing anti-Israel sentiment or criticizing Israeli policies reveals a systematic effort to influence public opinion and shape political discourse,” the letter added.

The most recent speaker urged the public to rise up against the law, which she sees as part of white supremacy.

She also used the platform she was given to promote the boycott of Israel, specifically acknowledging that it was a policy supported and facilitated by CUNY Law School.

“By repeatedly inviting and supporting such speakers, CUNY is actively promoting a point of view that aligns with the BDS movement.”

CUNY was approached for comment.

Like most universities in the United States, CUNY is tax-exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) because of its role as an educational institution. The exemption means it doesn’t have to pay federal income tax.

But there are strict rules that prohibit such organizations from engaging in political activities.

The demand that CUNY lose its status comes after lawmakers in Congress introduced legislation designed to revoke federal funding for colleges “that promote anti-Semitism on their campuses.”

CUNY received federal grants and contracts worth at least $152 million in the year ending June 30, 2022, according to its accounts.

Fatima Mousa Mohammed (pictured) used her opening speech to portray the NYPD and US military as “fascists” and called on her colleagues to continue “revolution” against capitalism and racism across the country

Muhammad’s speech brought renewed scrutiny to the institution and also drew fierce criticism from politicians across the spectrum.

She described CUNY as “one of the few legal institutions created to recognize that the law is a manifestation of white supremacy that continues to oppress and oppress people in this country and around the world.”

Congressman Mike Lawler said, “This is exactly why I am finalizing legislation to strip universities of their funding if they engage in and promote anti-Semitism.

“CUNY should be ashamed – and lose all the federal funds it currently receives.”

Joel M. Petlin, superintendent of the Kiryas Joel School District, said, “Listen to all 13 minutes of this hateful graduation speech, and you’ll learn what she thinks about the law, police, border patrol, and how she’s the only democracy in the Middle East. East.

“As a New Yorker, I’m appalled that I subsidized her education.”

Texas Senator Ted Cruz added, “City University of New York class day speaker defames Israel and enthusiastically celebrates anti-Semitism.

Cheers to open borders and releasing violent criminals from prison. And denounces the “fascist NYPD.” This is a LAW school. Paid with tax money.’