A new telephone hotline and online form have been established by the state allowing New Yorkers to report hate and bias incidents directly to the Division of Human Rights’ Hate and Bias Prevention Unit. Alongside this announcement, HBPU encourages to all New Yorkers to contact the Unit if they or someone they know has experienced an incident involving hate or discrimination. Friday’s announcement and reminder comes as Jewish, Arab, Muslim, and other communities across New York State and around the country face prejudice and violence in the aftermath of the horrific violence in Israel and Gaza.
Friday’s announcement highlighted the Unit’s launch of a dedicated incident reporting hotline at 844-NO-2-HATE, and members of the public can also report incidents through HBPU’s online reporting form. Governor Hochul announced the plan for these new reporting mechanisms during an event at the Center for Jewish History in September
“Hate is a cowardly thing, and no New Yorker should have to endure the discrimination it fuels,” Governor Hochul said. “It is crucial to stop any form of hate as soon as it emerges so that it has no opportunity to grow into a force that leads to the loss of life. Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and I am proud to launch this hotline so that everyone can quickly get the help they need.”
The Division’s Hate and Bias Prevention Unit (HBPU) condemns all forms of hate and seeks to address acts of hate and bias that occur in New York State. While emergency situations and real-time incidents should be referred to 911 first, HBPU encourages all New Yorkers who have experienced an incident involving hate or discrimination, or who wish to participate in community anti-hate initiatives, to contact HBPU. HBPU stands ready to offer a wide range of assistance to community members, including assistance in filing complaints, organizing educational programming, hosting community dialogues, providing conflict resolution, and more.
