NYS Hate and Bias Prevention Unit
A Program of the New York State Division of Human Rights
Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) launched the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit (HBPU) in December 2022 to help communities combat prejudice and discrimination. The HBPU is chaired by Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, and the Unit’s mission is focused around two key initiatives: a statewide network of Regional Councils and a Response Team.
NYS Regional Councils for Hate and Bias Prevention
DHR has established 10 Regional Hate and Bias Prevention Councils representing every region across the state (Capital, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York). The councils are comprised of a diverse network of public and private stakeholders that include community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, government agencies, and other advocacy groups. These broad and diverse partners will work together in building connections and local capacity to prevent and respond to hate and bias incidents through community engagement and mobilization.
The Councils provide a place for community members to share information about trends in different areas of the state: develop innovative policy solutions; organize educational programming; host community events to raise awareness about hate and bias prevention; offer healing circles and community dialogues; partner with schools to address intergroup conflict; participate in conflict resolution, restorative justice, and anti-racism trainings; and more.
New York State Unity Summit
Governor Hochul Convenes the Inaugural Unity Summit at John Jay College
DHR's Hate and Bias Prevention Unit
Two Anti-Bias Initiatives
Hate & Bias Prevention Councils
The Unit has established 10 Regional Hate & Bias Prevention Councils. The Councils provide a place for community members across the state to share concerns, organize educational programming, host hate and bias prevention and community healing events, provide trainings in conflict resolution and facilitate the filing of complaints with DHR and other relevant agencies.
Response Team
The Unit has established a Response Team that offers support to communities impacted by bias or hate. The Response Team offers assistance in creating community healing and support, through conflict resolution meetings, restorative justice practices, public education, and helping people file complaints and/or accessing of resources/benefits with relevant State agencies.