New York Attorney General Letitia James denounced reports of racist text messages “targeting Black and Brown people – including students – in New York and nationwide.”
Some reported receiving texts from unknown or anonymous senders telling them they’ve been “selected to pick cotton at [their] nearest plantation,” or “chosen to be a slave,” James’ office said on Thursday. Some of the recipients include middle school, high school and college students, the attorney general’s office said.
“The racist text messages targeting New Yorkers, including middle school, high school, and college students, are disgusting and unacceptable,” James said in a statement. “I unequivocally condemn any attempt to intimidate or threaten New Yorkers and their families.”
The attorney general’s office referred to published screenshots of some of the text messages, with one presenting itself as if from the “Trump & Vance Administration.” The reports come in the days after former President Donald J. Trump won a second term following a contentious, and at times, racially-charged 2024 presidential election.
Similar text messages were reportedly being sent to people in other states, including Ohio, North Carolina and Michigan. James’ office asked that anyone who receives these texts to report them to the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Bureau.
The attorney general’s office said New Yorkers can report racist or hateful text messages from anonymous senders by calling 800-771-7755, emailing [email protected], or filing a complaint online.
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