On April 24, 2025, CUNY public safety officers and NYPD pepper-sprayed a group of pro-Palestinian student protesters attempting to establish a 'Liberated Zone' on the City College of New York campus. The incident, which resulted in at least one arrest and heightened tensions, reflects the administration's heavy-handed approach in suppressing political dissent.

On April 24, 2025, CUNY public safety officers and NYPD used pepper spray against pro-Palestinian protesters attempting to set up a 'liberated zone' at City College of New York, resulting in at least one arrest. The incident reflects a heavy-handed security response during politically charged campus protests.

City College of New York, a constituent of the CUNY system, is covered under a nearly five‐year tentative labor agreement that guarantees significant wage increases, bonus payments, enhanced benefits, and improved working conditions for over 30,000 unionized employees.

CUNY reached a tentative contract agreement with unionized faculty and staff, which includes across-the-board raises, compounded wage increases, equity raises for lower-paid employees, a ratification bonus, and expanded paid parental leave. The agreement, effective from March 2023 to November 2027, reflects a progressive approach to labor relations.

Gov. Hochul announced a tentative five-year labor agreement covering over 10,000 CUNY employees that includes a 14.9% retroactive wage increase, a $3,000 ratification bonus, and an increased minimum wage to $18 per hour, highlighting a strong commitment to fair labor practices.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a tentative labor agreement covering over 10,000 CUNY employees, including those at City College of New York. The agreement, spanning five years and involving multiple unions, aims to insure better wages and working conditions, reflecting a strong commitment to labor rights and anti-authoritarian worker protections.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced an independent review of CUNY's policies on antisemitism and discrimination, led by former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman. The review, intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students and faculty, has sparked concerns among free speech advocates who worry it could be used to stifle political speech. City College of New York, as part of the CUNY system, is involved and has stated it will cooperate with the review.

City College of New York was allocated $3 million from a broader $12 million federal funding package under the U.S. Congressional Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The funds, partly designated for the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative and CUNY Dominican Studies, are aimed at enhancing workforce training programs and supporting underdeveloped communities, thereby reinforcing the institution's role in social mobility.

City College of New York, part of the CUNY system, received over $3 million in federal funds as part of a larger $12 million allocation to support capital projects, workforce training, and academic initiatives. This funding aims to enhance vocational training, internships, and community partnerships that benefit underserved and marginalized communities.

In the 1940s, City College faculty, students, and workers organized protests against politically motivated repression under the Rapp-Coudert Committee. The collective action, which included a significant student walkout in April 1941 and union mobilizations to defend dismissed anti-fascist faculty like Morris Schappes, demonstrated the institution’s longstanding stand against authoritarian practices and for academic freedom.