Bronx politicians are criticizing the governor after she claimed that some black children in the borough don’t know what the word “computer” means. .
Hochul put his foot in his mouth Monday at a stage forum in California as he tried to explain how he wants to create a diverse workforce in new fields such as artificial intelligence.
“You know, young black kids growing up in the Bronx right now don’t even know the word ‘computer,'” Gov. Cathy Hochul bellowed into a microphone on Monday.
“They don’t know, they don’t know these things. And I want the world to be open to all of them,” she continued.
Lawmakers from the Bronx and five boroughs quickly condemned Hochul’s gaffe.
“Try harder” Rep. Kalins Reyes (D-Bronx) I wrote to X He said he was “very upset” by Hochul’s remarks.
“Our children are bright, intelligent, highly capable, and deserve the full opportunities that other children are afforded,” Reyes added.
“Far from being undervalued, our children are the epitome of genius, resilience, and untapped potential,” Rep. John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) said in a statement.
“They are not only capable, but deserving of every opportunity that is offered to them. It is disheartening to see depictions that undermine their abilities and aspirations.”
“We would like to invite Governor Hochul to visit us in the Bronx and experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that radiates from the children and residents of the Bronx every day,” said Congresswoman Amanda Septimo. The Democratic Party of the Bronx also agreed.
The only Bronx lawmaker to defend Hochul was House Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), who called her words “disingenuous and harmful.”
“The governor’s words were disrespectful and hurtful, but I don’t think her heart is in them. She wants to see all of our students excel.” I’m confident,” Heastie said.
“We look forward to working with Governor Hochul to redouble our efforts to provide more access to technology for the children of the Bronx. All students deserve an equal opportunity to grow and thrive. “We have the right to be given that,” he added.
Hochul spoke Monday at the Milken Institute World Congress, primarily talking about the $400 million Empire AI initiative recently passed as part of the national budget.
The governor has touted extensive university-state partnerships as a way to build New York’s technology sector and keep universities competitive as the industry develops.
A spokesperson for Hochul did not respond to a request for comment.
