Bill to teach students about symbols of hate passes Senate

The State Legislature returned to Albany recently to vote on a list of bills, and a piece of legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. aimed at teaching the meanings behind hate symbols has passed the Senate.

If passed into law, bill S.6448 would require instruction regarding symbols of hate, including the swastika and the noose, to be incorporated into the curricula for grades six through twelve.

As hate crimes are on the rise in New York City, and across the state, legislators believe it is imperative that educators teach children the meaning behind these hateful symbols — like the swastika used by Nazis and the noose which has been used as a symbol of racism and intimidation.

“I believe that one of the best ways to combat hate is through education,” Addabbo said. “I co-sponsored this bill mindful of certain incidents in my district and hopeful that it will have educators teach their students the history and meaning behind these hateful symbols. If students understand what these symbols mean, where they came from, and how they have been used to oppress marginalized communities, hopefully they will learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a better, more inclusive, future.”

The bill has passed the Senate and is being sent to the State Assembly for a vote.