Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres is calling out New York Governor Kathy Hochul for dragging her feet on enacting a long-overdue law banning public mask-wearing—an issue that has gained urgency after a mob of keffiyeh-clad anti-Israel protesters stormed a Barnard College building.
Torres urged Hochul to push for restrictions on face coverings at public demonstrations as part of the new state budget, expected to be finalized by April 1.
“Your lip service to a mask ban means nothing without legislation and executive orders that match the words with deeds,” Torres wrote in a sharply worded letter to the governor, obtained by The New York Post.
Torres Calls Out New York’s Failure to Protect Jewish Students
The congressman also accused state officials, including Hochul, of violating federal anti-discrimination laws by allowing masked agitators to intimidate Jewish students on college campuses.
“The State of New York’s acceptance of masked harassment and intimidation against Jewish students on college campuses violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of race, color, or national origin,” Torres stated. “As governor, the buck stops with you.”
New York had long banned public mask-wearing before COVID-19, when mandates were put in place to curb the virus. Now, with that ban repealed, extremist groups have exploited the lack of restrictions to engage in masked harassment and threats, often targeting Jewish students and pro-Israel activists.
Mask Ban: A Proven Tool Against Hate Groups
Proponents of reinstating the mask ban argue that it is a necessary measure to prevent anonymity from being weaponized by extremists. Historically, mask bans were instrumental in exposing and arresting Ku Klux Klan members who terrorized Black communities while hiding their identities.
“Contrary to false narratives, mask bans have a long history of defending civil rights rather than endangering them,” Torres said. “No one at the time—except the KKK and its sympathizers—would have said that the KKK had a First Amendment Right to mask itself.”
Overwhelming Public Support for a Crackdown
A poll conducted for the civil rights coalition #UnMaskHateNY found that 75% of New Yorkers support a mask ban. Among Jewish voters, 76% expressed concern about being singled out for discrimination—the highest of any group surveyed.
“The time has come for the governor to side with the people over the interest groups,” Torres wrote, as speculation grows about his potential bid to challenge Hochul in the next gubernatorial race.
Torres previously criticized Hochul for failing to include a mask ban in her January State of the State address. Her spokesperson, Sam Spokony, attempted to downplay the inaction, saying, “Governor Hochul has repeatedly expressed support for restricting masks and will review any mask ban that passes the Legislature.”
However, Hochul herself has only suggested potential “enhanced penalties” for crimes committed while wearing a mask, rather than a broader prohibition.
Legislative Action on the Horizon
A bill introduced in the legislature would not impose an outright ban on masks but would create a low-level offense of “masked harassment.” This violation-level crime would apply to individuals who harass others while wearing a mask with the primary intent of menacing or threatening violence.
Notably, exemptions would be included for medical and religious purposes, ensuring that the law targets bad actors without infringing on legitimate uses of face coverings.
As tensions rise and masked mobs continue to threaten public safety, all eyes are now on Hochul. Will she take real action to unmask hate—or will she continue to stall while extremists exploit the loopholes?
The deadline for the state budget is fast approaching, and New Yorkers are demanding answers.