Op-Ed: No More Compromise on New York (Huffington Post)

By Donna Lieberman

The past week in our country has been devastating. Our president-elect has endorsed racism, homophobia and xenophobia. White supremacists are celebrating. And fearless New Yorkers are shocked and scared. I’m not surprised: There is no question of how much our state has to lose. New York is diverse and dynamic and a model for the rest of the country. New Yorkers include people of all different races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, political viewpoints and religions. I’m proud to be a New Yorker. And we cannot lose New York as we know it in Donald Trump’s America. Since the election last week, some politicians have vowed to protect New York and its values, and some will really try. But the sad truth is it is embarrassing and scary that New York is not better prepared for the threat to civil rights that Trump’s federal government can pose. There are holes in our state laws and in cities’ laws that have been left gaping from years of political wrangling. Now we are exposed: Immigrants need greater protection. Our state laws do not codify Roe. v. Wade, guarantee a fair criminal justice system or fully protect our privacy. Public education is continually under siege. And our human rights law does not extend to all people whose safety may soon be in jeopardy. I have one direct mission with the NYCLU — to ensure a free New York. Where people are free to be themselves and to exercise their constitutional rights. Our plan is simple: New York needs to respond with the strongest civil rights protections that exist. We must refuse to compromise when it comes to people’s civil rights and our politicians must recognize that civil rights won’t protect themselves. In the next several weeks I will share in detail the greatest risks to New York under Trump. And I will share some of the key tasks we need to demand our political leaders complete now — not next year or the year after — NOW, to ensure a free New York. I want to thank the thousands of you who have become members, donated, signed up for our action network and volunteered your time. Here are all the ways you can stay involved:

• Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram
• Sign up and volunteer
• Use your voice. Talk to your friends and family about our issues
• Share our Know Your Rights information
• Let your representatives know that you are here, you are listening and you will not be silent!

I promise we will do whatever it takes, whatever we can do, for a free New York.