By Bill Parry
Following a 60 percent increase in reports of discrimination to the city’s Commission on Human Rights in 2016, a trend that continues into 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio launched a citywide anti-discrimination campaign Tuesday. Advertisement, videos, community events and public service announcements will affirm New Yorkers right to live, work and pray free from discrimination and harassment.
“It is now more important than ever for New Yorkers to stand united as one city and reject hatred and intolerance,” de Blasio said. “In New York City, our diversity is our strength. It does not matter where we come from, who we love or who we worship. We are all New Yorkers, and deserve to be treated with dignity. Regardless of the national rhetoric, we have absolutely no tolerance for discrimination in our city.”
Campaign ads and poster will appear in English and Spanish in more than 3,400 placements citywide over the next six weeks, including on subways, bus shelters and ferry terminals, in houses of worship, ethnic and community radios and newspapers and social media. The ads feature six individuals standing up to scenarios of discrimination and harassment commonly experienced by vulnerable New Yorkers, including Jewish, Muslim, Hispanic, Asian, Black and LGBTQ New Yorkers.
“At a time when bias incidents are on the rise, this campaign sends a clear message to all New Yorkers that they do have the right to live free from discrimination and harassment and that NYC has your back. No one has permission to discriminate against you or your community. If they do, rest assured that the NYC Commission on Human Rights will hold them accountable.”
The commission is currently investigating 30 percent more complaints of discrimination than this time last year, with more than 1,600 current open cases of discrimination compared to 1,200 in May 2015.
“Incidents of bias and discrimination have been occurring with more frequency throughout New York City and across the country. This is not OK,” Borough President Melinda Katz said. “Now, it is more important than ever for New Yorkers to stand together against discrimination in all forms. If you see something, say something. If you witness an incident, call it out and report it to the commission. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and Queens denounces any act of discrimination, whether micro-aggression or blatant.”
If you feel you have been discriminated against, take action. Contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights at 718-722-3131 .
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
