New York Attorney General Letitia James has addressed reports of racist text messages targeting Black and Brown individuals, including students, in New York and across the nation. In a statement released today, she condemned these actions, saying: “The racist text messages targeting New Yorkers, including middle school, high school, and college students, are disgusting and unacceptable. I unequivocally condemn any attempt to intimidate or threaten New Yorkers and their families. I encourage anyone in New York who has received an anonymous, threatening text message to report it to my office.”
The texts reportedly originate from anonymous sources and include alarming messages such as being "selected to pick cotton at [their] nearest plantation" or "chosen to be a slave." These messages often contain personal details about the recipients like their name or location.
The Office of the Attorney General is urging those affected by these messages to report them to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau. Reports can be made by calling 800-771-7755, emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov, or filing a complaint online.