Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a list of proposals following the rise in hate crimes in New York since the last presidential election. His proposals included expanding New York’s Human Rights Law to protect children in public and private schools, and creating a “public-private legal defense fund” to provide immigrants with legal assistance who cannot afford it.

The following statement is attributable to Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union:

“Governor Cuomo’s announcement is an important step toward making New York a safe haven that respects the dignity of all people. New York must respond to the rise in hate crimes with the strongest civil rights protections that exist. Reforming the State Human Rights Law and providing legal aid for immigrants are critical to protecting those who have become targets of the increased rhetoric of hate, fear and bigotry since the last presidential election. New Yorkers cannot tolerate any delay in filling the gaps in our laws that have remained for too long.”