A Safer, United NYC: Standing
Up to Hate, Together
Hate Crime Policy Platform –
Deirdre Levy for Mayor
New York City is strongest when we protect one another. But since 2025, our communities have seen a rise in hate-driven violence—especially targeting our Jewish, Black, Asian, Muslim, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant neighbors.
As a NYC Public School special educator, Filipina community leader, granddaughter of Jewish immigrants, and born and raised New Yorker, I’ve spent my life fighting for equity and belonging. As your next Mayor, I’ll ensure no New Yorker has to live in fear simply for being who they are.
A message from Deirdre:
“As a teacher, I’ve stood with students who felt unsafe because of their identity. As Mayor, I will stand with all New Yorkers against hate, injustice, and silence. I believe in a New York where our differences are our greatest strength—and where every child, elder, and neighbor walks without fear.”
What We're Facing
Hate crimes have increased across nearly every identity group in NYC. According to NYPD and civil rights orgs:
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Anti-Jewish hate crimes rose by 39% in 2025—the highest among all groups.
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Anti-Asian violence increased by 22%, continuing post-pandemic scapegoating.
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Anti-Black hate incidents grew by 18%, often tied to institutional neglect.
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LGBTQIA+ people, especially trans and non-binary individuals, faced a 27% rise in reported attacks.
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Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities saw a 34% increase in mosque vandalism and harassment.
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Undocumented immigrants continue to experience violence that often goes unreported due to fear of ICE or retaliation.
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s about real people being targeted in our streets, schools, subways, and sacred spaces.
Deirdre Levy's plan to combat Hate
1. Build Safer, Responsive Communities
Expand and diversify the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force, with community liaisons from impacted groups.
Launch a 24/7 multilingual hate crime hotline and reporting app, with protections for undocumented residents.
Establish a Citywide Survivor Support Fund offering legal aid, trauma-informed care, and emergency assistance.
2. Transparency You Can Trust
Publish a quarterly Hate Crimes Dashboard broken down by borough, identity, and type of incident.
Fund independent data audits led by CUNY and community justice organizations to ensure transparency and accountability.
3. Prevent Hate Through Education
Introduce anti-hate and empathy-building curriculum in NYC public schools
Fund youth-led and arts-based anti-hate initiatives in schools and libraries.
Provide security and resilience grants to synagogues, mosques, churches, LGBTQ+ centers, and cultural institutions.
4. Partner with Communities
Launch Neighborhood Healing Hubs led by local leaders trained in de-escalation, healing justice, and support services.
Create a Mayor’s Council to End Hate, co-chaired by leaders from Jewish, Black, Asian, LGBTQ+, Muslim, and immigrant communities.
Build trust through listening sessions, street-level outreach, and real investments in neighborhood safety—not just surveillance.
The Communities at Risk — And Who We Fight For
The Communities at Risk — And Who We Fight For
New York City is home to:
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Over 1 million Jewish New Yorkers
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Over 1 million Black residents
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Nearly 1.5 million Asian New Yorkers
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Over 800,000 Muslim residents
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Over 3 million immigrants (including many undocumented)
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An estimated 700,000 LGBTQIA+ people