New York, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced she will be introducing legislation that would add graffiti to the list of specified offenses that could be coupled with hate crime penalties. The announcement comes after an uptick in reported attacks on minorities and xenophobic and anti-Semitic pro-Trump graffiti following the results of the recent Presidential Election.

“We must send a strong message that our diverse communities will not stand for hate in any form,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “My new proposal would close the loophole and ensure appropriate penalties to prevent these criminal acts from becoming widespread. New York must lead by example and make it clear that hateful rhetoric, intimidation, and discrimination will not be tolerated by any means.”

Under current NYS Penal Law, hate crime penalties can be linked to specified offenses such as assault, grand larceny, menacing, harassment, and robbery. Criminal mischief crimes such as destruction of property are also included. Missing in the list of specified offenses is language concerning vandalism in the form of graffiti.

Across the country, local police departments have been responding to hate crimes rooted in racism and bigotry. In New York, spray-painted swastikas were found on dormitory doors at The New School in Manhattan and upstate at SUNY Geneseo. At New York University, Muslim students discovered the word “Trump” graffitied on the door of their prayer room.

In Queens, Rozic is urging residents to remain vigilant and report such acts to 911 followed by a call to her office. She added, “Violence that seeks to divide and spread fear has no place in New York where inclusion and diversity will always be fought for and celebrated.”