The Concerning Growth of Hate Crime in New York State
New York State has seen a concerning surge in reported hate crimes over the last five years, with the number of incidents increasing by 12.7 percent in 2023 alone. As the number of hate crimes has grown, these crimes are increasingly targeting people rather than property, with most attacks against Jewish, Black and Gay Male New Yorkers. Recent efforts recognize the severity of this issue, but more must be done to prevent the prejudice and biases that motivate these crimes from taking root. The fight against hate crimes requires community, faith and political leaders willing to take an active role in denouncing hate, investing in reporting, prevention and protection, and enhancing educational efforts that center on celebrating diversity as a strength.
