New York Governor Andrew Cuomo sent an email to students at the City University of New York on Sunday, writing that "This is the State of New York, not a state of fear. We will not tolerate hate or racism."
Cuomo referenced the "harsh and ugly rhetoric of the [presidential] campaign" before inviting New Yorkers who experience discrimination or hate crimes to report them.
"New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination should call the toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday," Cuomo wrote, also saying that "[o]ur responsibility is to protect all who are here, whether native-born or immigrant, whether documented or not. The hotline strengthens our efforts. Contacting us will not affect your immigration status."
Throughout the e-mail, Gov. Cuomo referenced New York's diversity. "We cherish our diversity ... Whether you are gay or straight, Muslim or Christian or Jewish or Buddhist, rich or poor, black or white or Latino or Asian, man or woman, cisgender or transgender, we respect all people in the State of New York," he wrote.
He continued, writing that the state of New York has "strict laws" against hate crimes and discrimination against others, and concluded by saying that "You are welcome here." New York has seen a 31% uptick in hate crimes since last year, according to the NYPD.
Here is the full text:
November 20, 2016
A Message from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Dear Students:
After the harsh and ugly rhetoric of the campaign, many of youare concerned about what might happen next.
Let me be clear: This is the State of New York, not a state offear. We will not tolerate hate or racism.
We have been and always will be a place where people of manybackgrounds have come to seek freedom and opportunity. Almostall who live here can trace their roots to someplace else.
We cherish our diversity. We find strength in our differences.Whether you are gay or straight, Muslim or Christian or Jewishor Buddhist, rich or poor, black or white or Latino or Asian,man or woman, cisgender or transgender, we respect all peoplein the State of New York.
The Statue of Liberty is a proud symbol of American values, andshe stands in our harbor. We feel a special responsibility tomake her offer of refuge and hope a reality every day.
As long as you are here, you are New Yorkers. You are membersof our community, and we will stand up for you.
The State of New York has strict laws against hate crimes anddiscrimination and we fully and firmly enforce them. It isillegal in this state to target, harass or discriminate againsta person because of his or her race, color, national origin,ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disabilityor sexual orientation. We are a tolerant people, and cannot andwill not let our freedoms be undermined.
New York State has a toll-free hotline where people can reportincidents of bias and discrimination. Our responsibility is toprotect all who are here, whether native-born or immigrant,whether documented or not. The hotline strengthens our efforts.Contacting us will not affect your immigration status.
New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination shouldcall the toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday - Friday.
If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911immediately.
New Yorkers feel a particular affection for young immigrants.For centuries, our state has thrived on the energy and ambitionof the young people seeking to build their lives here. Yourintelligence, your creativity, your idealism enriches us all.You are welcome here.
Sincerely,
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
