SPLC Action Fund Applauds New York’s Ban on Hate Symbols; Urges More States to Take Courageous Step Forward

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation banning the display or sale of symbols of hate on taxpayer property. The legislation followed two Long Island incidents where the Confederate flag was displayed on a fire truck and in the window of a fire department.

SPLC Action Fund Chief of Staff Lecia Brooks issued the following statement in response:

“The SPLC applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for quickly signing into law legislation banning items that glorify hate from public property. New York set the bar high, taking a courageous leap forward in its stance against bigotry.

“Allowing white supremacist symbols and images to be displayed or sold on public property reinforces a culture of hate, which sends a clear message to residents and visitors. Denying these dehumanizing and oppressive symbols an audience in our taxpayer-funded public spaces, important buildings, institutions, and military installations is long overdue.

“The SPLC is unequivocal in its assertion that all racist symbols that venerate anyone or anything recognized for a history of brutality and racial subjugation, be removed from public spaces, including in government buildings, school names, parks, military bases, roadways, prisons, and municipalities.

“We encourage other states to follow New York’s lead, and hope that this action will trend nationwide.”