Apr. 28, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
Assembly member Daniel Rosenthal’s legislation, Hate Crime Reporting on College Campuses (A.3694), which will require colleges that receive state funding to modernize and enhance their disclosure of hate crimes that occur on campus, passed the New York state Assembly.
The legislation mandates colleges in New York State to implement a plan to effectively investigate hate crimes on campus and require colleges to inform incoming students about hate crime prevention measures. Colleges will now be obligated to disclose hate crimes that occur on their campuses on their website.
“Every student has the right to feel safe and protected on their college campus,” Rosenthal said. “We will not allow educational institutions that claim to embrace free speech, understanding and inclusivity to become asylums of antisemitism, bigotry and hostility.”
New York’s current statute regarding hate crimes on college campuses has not been updated in nearly two decades and does not reflect significant advancements in technology, according to Senator Toby Ann Stavisky.
Stavisky said Rosenthal’s legislation will update the current law by requiring all colleges to report bias crimes on their websites and that it be reported in a separate, clearly designated category of crime.
“We must make sure New York’s diverse college campuses are safe spaces for students of all races, ethnicities and creeds,” Stavisky said. “Unfortunately, the recent spread of disgraceful and harmful public rhetoric has led to a disturbing rise in acts of hate across our state and our nation.”
The legislation is a critical step toward addressing the issue of hate crimes on college campuses. With the rising number of hate crimes across the country, particularly against marginalized communities, it is essential to ensure that colleges are equipped to prevent, investigate and report these incidents effectively.
Rosenthal expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and advocates who helped pass this critical legislation and looks forward to continuing his work to make New York a safer and more inclusive place for all.