Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $25 million will be provided to organizations at risk of hate crimes and vandalism. She made the announcement at New York’s first-ever joint summit, which brought together more than 500 New Yorkers across the state representing community groups, faith leaders and public safety experts on how New York can come together to confront The rising tide of hate has its say.
“This is our defining moment — a moment as a New Yorker to stand up and make it clear that there is no place for hate in our community,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to convene New York’s first-ever Solidarity Summit, bringing together leading experts dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry. Working together, I know we can make this state safer and more welcoming.”
“At the Unity Summit today, we’re bringing together leaders, human rights advocates, and activists from around the world to reflect on and recommit to the work we’re doing to end hate in New York,” Lieutenant Governor Delgado said. “This funding will directly bring resources and support to community partners who are building a more united and tolerant nation. I am honored to chair the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit and oversee the progress of this work. ”
Speaking at the Unity Summit, Governor Hochul announced that $25 million will be provided through the FY 2024 Budget to support organizations serving communities at high risk of hate crimes and vandalism. The funding will be used to help organizations increase security measures in vulnerable locations and to support training, public awareness campaigns and other outreach efforts across the state. The 2024 budget also includes $3.5 million in funding for the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, whose work includes coordinating meetings of 10 regional boards to address diverse biases and challenges across New York State. All 10 regional councils have been formed and will begin meeting in the coming weeks.
The Unity Summit featured a keynote address by former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Panel discussions included “The State of Hate in New York,” featuring New York State agency leaders discussing their efforts to combat hate crimes, and “Working Together to Address and Prevent Hate in Our Communities,” featuring Jewish, Asian Pacific, Muslim, Sikh , LGBTQ+, Hispanic, and African American community leaders, and “How Federal, State, and Local Stakeholders Can Address Hate.” The day ended with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who leads the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit of the New York State Human Rights Division.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made addressing hate crimes and bigotry a priority. December 2022, Governor Hochul unveiled The newly established Hate and Prejudice Prevention Unit of the Human Rights Division. In November 2022, she sign Two new laws crack down on perpetrators of hate crimes and a new diversity and tolerance campaign across the state.In the FY23 Budget, Gov. Hochul made a significant contribution Variety The bail law expands arrest eligibility and bail eligibility for repeat and hate crimes.
You can view the full Unity Summit here.
