Hate crimes are not limited to violent or physical attacks. Hateful symbols can also create pain and fear within vulnerable communities. In New York, some hate-motivated symbols can result in hate crime charges in addition to the underlying committed crime.
Read more about Information on Hate Symbols
OPHC and the New York City Department of Education (DOE) provide resources to facilitate important conversations in the classroom. Schools are encouraged to develop opportunities for students to discuss what discrimination and religious intolerance might look like in a school and collectively explore the positive actions they can take to promote acceptance, inclusion, and the diversity of their communities.
Read the OPHC/DOE's "Promoting Respect and Addressing Hate Crimes" document.
During this COVID-19 public health crisis, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes’ work continues unabated. The office is coordinating with fellow City agencies to provide support and resources to communities impacted by an increase in hate and bias attacks.
View COVID-19-related resources and information
The HeARTwork Against Hate is a creative initiative for New York City youth launched by the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes in September 2020.
It is important to support young New Yorkers at a time of great stress resulting from the combination of a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, school changes, scapegoating, and issues of systemic racism that have come to the fore. HeARTwork Against Hate is an opportunity and a platform for young New Yorkers to use artistic expression as an outlet.
Learn more about HeARTwork Against Hate
In March 2020, the New York City Council passed Local Law 49, mandating an “individualized response to alleged violent hate crimes.”
Pursuant to this legislation, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) is required to provide relevant information about the crime, including incident date and time, and information about the administration’s response, to elected officials and affected communities.
Learn more about the OPHC Hate Crime Notification System
The New York Police Department posts quarterly updates on hate crimes complaints and arrests.
Read Local Law 46
Read Local Law 47
Read Section 485.05 of New York State penal law
Read the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009
Read the Hate Crime Statistics Act of 1990
Read the Title I of the Civil Rights Act of 1968