NY Gov. Kathy Hochul signs bill creating reparations commission despite concerns of 'racial divisions'
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Tuesday establishing a commission to study reparations for slavery.
New York's Gov. Kathy Hochul has turned her sights to Native American artwork in the state's Capitol building, announcing that the artwork will be assessed to see whether it is offensive to Indigenous people.
"All New Yorkers should feel welcome and respected when visiting the State Capitol," Hochul said in her 180-page 2024 State of the State policy book. "Unfortunately, offensive imagery and distasteful representations of populations in the art which adorns the Capitol can alienate visitors."
The Democrat governor said that Indigenous people are "often depicted" in "harmful racial stereotypes" in artwork.
"Indigenous peoples, in particular, are often depicted in artworks in a manner that reflects harmful racial stereotypes and glorifies violence against Indigenous peoples," she wrote. "Such depictions do not reflect the values of New York State."
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference and signing of legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference and signing of legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
In a press release, Hochul said that "offensive imagery and distasteful representation" in the state's capitol can "alienate visitors."
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Hochul said that art that is older than eighty years old and represents Indigenous people will be assessed.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference and signing of legislation creating a commission for the study of reparations in New York on December 19, 2023 in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
According to the State of the State book, Gov. Hochul will begin a "comprehensive review" of all art depicting Native Americans in the state's Capitol.
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"To ensure that all New Yorkers are welcomed in the Capitol, this year Governor Hochul will commence a comprehensive review of artistic representation of Indigenous peoples in the Capitol, with invited participation from representatives from each of the nine Indigenous Nations," the book said.
Kathy Hochul's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
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