New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Sunday several actions to protect civil rights and combat hate crimes in New York, including the creation of a State Police unit to investigate reports of hate crimes, an expansion of the state’s human rights law to protect all students, and the establishment of a new emergency legal defense fund for immigrants. Gov. Cuomo laid out this three-part action plan while speaking to the congregation at Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City about the post-election climate and the recent uptick in reports of discrimination, bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence throughout the state.
“New York is, and will always be, a place of acceptance, inclusion and a bastion of hope for all people,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We will never allow fear and intolerance to tear at the fabric of who we are – New Yorkers are stronger than that, and we are better than that. With these decisive actions, we say to people of all backgrounds and beliefs: New York is your home and refuge, and we will do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”
