Bronx legislators chastised Gov. Kathy Hochul for claiming that some minority students in the borough do not understand the term “computer.”.
Hochul, addressing an on-stage conference in California on Monday, failed to explain how she intends to build a diverse workforce in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence.
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“Right now we have, you know, young black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word ‘computer’ is,” Gov. Kathy Hochul spat into a microphone Monday.
“They don’t know.”They don’t know these things. And I want the globe to be open to all of them,” she added.
Lawmakers from the Bronx and across the five boroughs soon pounced on Hochul’s error, which she later admitted she regretted.
“Do better,” Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx) wrote on X, expressing being “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s comments.
“Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,” Reyes said.
Assemblyman John Zaccaro (D-Bronx) said in a statement, “Our children are the epitome of brilliance, resilience, and untapped potential.”
“They are not only capable but also deserving of whatever opportunity their contemporaries are given. It’s sad to see such a negative picture of their abilities and goals,” he added.
“I would invite Governor Hochul to visit us in the Bronx to experience firsthand the intelligence, resilience, and joy that emanate from Bronx children and residents every day,” Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo (D-Bronx) added.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) defended Hochul, calling her comments “inartful and hurtful.”
“While the governor’s remarks were imprecise and unpleasant, I don’t believe they reflect her heart. “I firmly believe she wants all of our students to succeed,” Heastie added.
“Working with Governor Hochul, I hope we can redouble our efforts to improve technology access for our Bronx children. “All of our students deserve equal opportunities to grow and thrive,” he continued.
Hochul primarily discussed her $400 million Empire AI plan, recently approved as part of the state budget, during her remarks on Monday at the Milken Institute Global Conference.
“I misspoke and regret it,” Hochul subsequently told the Post in a statement. “Of course, black students in the Bronx understand what computers are; the issue is that they frequently lack access to the technology required to advance to high-paying employment in developing fields such as artificial intelligence. That is why, from the start of my administration, I have prioritized expanding economic opportunities.”
The governor promotes wide cooperation between universities and the state as a means of expanding New York’s technology economy and keeping institutions competitive as industries evolve.
