Rep. Ritchie Torres has called out Governor Kathy Hochul for not prioritizing legislation to ban public mask-wearing during protests, stating it allows hate groups to operate freely. In a letter, he urged action ahead of the state's budget approval, arguing that the availability of masked identities infringes upon the safety and rights of individuals, especially Jewish students on college campuses. Torres defended mask bans historically as tools for civil rights protection, stressing that inaction by state officials undermines federal anti-discrimination laws.
"Your lip service to a mask ban means nothing without legislation and executive orders that match the words with deeds... The People of New York need decisive action from a governor who has been absent in the fight to unmask hate."
"The State of New York's acceptance of masked harassment and intimidation against Jewish students on college campuses violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of race, color, or national origin."
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