What's happening
This bill requires New York schools to teach students in grades 6-12 about the hateful meanings of the swastika and the noose.
Why it matters
Aims to increase historical awareness and cultural sensitivity among students. by mandating education about the swastika and the noose, two symbols deeply associated with hate, violence, and oppression in both global and American contexts.
Responds directly to a rise in hate crimes. , suggesting that better understanding of these symbols’ histories and connotations could help prevent their misuse and promote a more inclusive, tolerant school environment.
Empowers the Board of Regents and the Education Commissioner. to decide how the new content fits into existing curricula, giving flexibility to adapt lessons to local needs and to update instructional methods as necessary.
Signals a broader commitment to confronting bigotry and fostering social responsibility in youth. , potentially influencing community attitudes and helping students recognize and challenge hate not just in school, but in broader society.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Teach Hate Symbols in Schools
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to education
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 59–1
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.153
- Referred to education
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Teach Hate Symbols in Schools
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Charles Lavine
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6648
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
August 9, 2019
Introduced by Sen. KAMINSKY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction regarding symbols of hate
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Legislative findings. The legislature hereby finds the recent spike in hate crimes across our state and nation as a whole to be highly disturbing and a societal epidemic in need of remedy. As many of our youth are not aware of the hateful connotations behind swastikas and nooses, it is necessary for the legislature to mandate compulsory education in all schools across our great state in regard to the meanings of these two symbols of hate. Requiring students be educated in the significance of these displays of bigotry will go a long way toward fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society for all.
§ 2. The education law is amended by adding a new section 801-b to read as follows:
§ 801-b. Instruction regarding symbols of hate. The regents shall ensure that the course of instruction for grades six through twelve includes a component on the meaning of the swastika as the emblem of Nazi Germany, as well as the noose as a symbol of racism and intimidation. The regents shall determine how to incorporate such components into existing curricula, and the commissioner shall promulgate any regulations needed to carry out such determination of the regents.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13613-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring instruction regarding symbols of hate
Purpose of bill
To require New York school children be educated regarding the meaning of swastikas and nooses as symbols of hatred and intolerance.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 enumerates the Legislative findings.
Section 2 creates a new section 801-b in the education law, requiring education in the meaning of swastikas and nooses as symbols of hate.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
Justification
As incidents of hate crimes have skyrocketed across New York State and the nation as a whole, it is imperative that the Legislature mandate compulsory education for school children on the meaning and significance of hateful symbols used to instill fear in communities across our State. In particular, it is vital for students to be aware of the meanings of the swastika commonly exhibited as the emblem of Nazi Germany - as well as the noose - commonly exhibited as a symbol of racism and intim- idation. This measure will do just that, by mandating schools educate students regarding these two symbols of hate, with an eye towards stamp- ing out hate, bigotry and intolerance from our great State.
Prior history
New bill.
Fiscal impact
None
Effective date
Takes effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.