New York residents have mixed feelings about yet another statewide anti-bias program

Attendees applaud after New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul announced actions to combat hate crimes at her office in New York City in November 2022. Hochul has formed a new unit to combat hate and bias across the state that will focus on education, early detection and mobilizing support in areas where a bias-related incidents have occurred. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a Hate and Bias Prevention Unit to address the rising tide of antisemitic and other hate crimes New York has seen over the past year.

During a speech last week, Hochul said the new unit will be responsible for focusing on education, an early warning detection system in local communities and mobilizing a response in areas where a hate crime or bias-related incident took place.