NY Gov. Cuomo to CUNY students: 'We will not tolerate hate or racism'
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: