New York State courts enhance anti-bias training amid rise in hate crimes

Citing a marked rise in antisemitism, the NYS Unified Court System (UCS) announced on Monday the introduction of new training components focused on combating bias and discrimination. 

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George and the leadership of the state Office of Court Administration revealed this initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to ensure an environment free from hate and discrimination for all court system employees and users.

“What we have seen playing out in recent weeks is unconscionable and difficult to comprehend,” Judge Zayas said. “At the Unified Court System, our employees, who reflect the rich and varied diversity of people across our great state, are our greatest resource. With these new training programs, I am confident we will be building a stronger, more inclusive environment in the courts, which will help ensure that we are operating with sensitivity, integrity and transparency, and that all who enter or work in our courts are treated with respect, dignity and professionalism.”

The new series of seminars, set to commence on Jan. 23, 2024, with a session on antisemitism, aims to reinforce the judiciary’s mission of delivering equal justice and fair resolutions in all court proceedings. 

This initiative comes in response to alarming reports of increased hate crimes in New York and will include training programs addressing hate crimes, bias, discrimination, and identity-based hatred. Subsequent sessions will focus on issues like hate crimes and Islamophobia.

Organized by Deputy Chief Administrative Judges Hon. Edwina Richardson and Hon. Deborah Kaplan, these programs will supplement the existing mandatory anti-bias training….