As college students return to campuses for the fall semester, state officials are emphasizing safety and security.

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced that she met with leaders from more than 200 college and university campuses across New York, along with officials from New York State Police and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to stress the need for and importance of emergency plans.

“Public safety is my top priority, and as classes resume, it is essential that all students feel safe and are free from harm,” Hochul said in a statement. “Last spring, I directed college campuses to review and update their emergency response plans, and as tensions may be high as we start the academic year, I will continue to ensure all campus leaders and public safety officials have the resources they need to keep students safe.”

State officials say the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services reviewed campus emergency response plans and conducted multiple training sessions with higher education institutions across the state. 

The U.S. Department of Education has recently released a Campus Planning Toolkit that aims to provide law enforcement, university administrators and campus leaders with a methodology to maintain both student safety and civil liberties on campus. The governor's office says recent DHSES training is consistent with the toolkit's recommendations.

New York State Police also has worked with campuses to enhance emergency planning and ensure measures are in place to protect the school communities. 

“The safety and security of all New Yorkers remains our top priority and we have zero tolerance for any individuals that perpetuate hate crimes, acts of violence and harassment within our communities," New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said in a statement. "No student should ever feel vulnerable at their place of education and together, with our partners in law enforcement, we are working to ensure that all people from every background are protected at college campuses. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to public safety and for making certain that resources are available to put the well-being of all New Yorkers first.”

NYSP Troop Commanders will also visit with college administration at campuses of concern before the fall semester begins.

Officials say the DHSES is advising campuses to utilize updated emergency response plans and emergency action plans. The DHSES Domestic Terrorism Prevention Unit and the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities are also surveying private colleges and universities to assess whether they have threat assessment and management teams or equivalent multidisciplinary teams that conduct risk, threat and behavioral assessments, and will work to create a management plan for the campus. 

“At SUNY, safety is paramount and we have been and remain fiercely committed to ensuring security, civil discourse, and inclusivity on our campuses," SUNY Chancellor John King said in a statement. "We stand with Governor Hochul in rejecting antisemitism, Islamophobia, and hatred and bigotry in any form.”