Hate Crimes Legislation Welcomed by Anti-Defamation League

ADL WELCOMES HATE CRIME

TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS

New York, NY, August 19, 2009 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a pioneer in hate crimes legislation, prevention and training, welcomed recommendations issued by Governor David A. Paterson’s Hate Crime Task Force (HCTF) designed to counteract and increase awareness of hate crimes.

Kenneth Jacobson, Acting Director of ADL’s New York Regional Office, issued the following statement:

We welcome the recommendations issued by Governor Paterson’s Hate Crime Task Force as an important step forward in the effort to counter baseless hatred and those that would seek to act out on their prejudices.

New York State has seen too many violent incidents motivated by hate, and it is reassuring that the governor’s office and the HCTF are granting the issue its due seriousness.

Through increased training, reporting and outreach, these recommendations will have a positive effect on New Yorkers and their communities.

The recommendations include creating a hate crimes model policy for police officers, incorporating hate crimes into training initiatives for police officers, and encouraging and supporting the development of curricula on hate crimes for students and school staff.

HCTF was formed in January 2009 to develop strategies to prevent hate crimes and to increase awareness among New Yorkers so that they can identify bias crimes and respond effectively.

ADL has trained hundreds of law enforcement officers in New York on hate crimes and extremism. The League has been a national leader in advocating for hate crimes legislation since the first ADL model hate crimes statute was drafted almost 30 years ago. Forty-five states, and the District of Columbia have enacted laws based on or similar to the ADL model.

More information about the League’s training programs and resources for law enforcement is available at http://www.adl.org/learn/default.htm.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.