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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed the State Police Hate Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation into two swastikas and an anti-Semitic slur that were found Wednesday spray-painted on the walls of the office of a Jewish professor and Holocaust scholar at Columbia Teacher's College.

"I am disgusted by the abhorrent act of anti-Semitism and hate that occurred at Columbia University," Cuomo said. "In the wake of this incident, I stand together with Columbia University and the entire Jewish community of New York. I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Unit to assist in the investigation. We will hold those behind this act responsible to the full extent of the law, and we will rise above this hate."

Cuomo created the Hate Crimes Task Force in 2017 to fight the increase in reports of bias-motivated threats, harassment and violence throughout New York State. The Task Force, run by the New York State Police, has engaged county leaders, district attorneys, school district leaders, local police departments and other key stakeholders to identify and investigate hate motivated crimes and bias related trends, community vulnerabilities and discriminatory practices.

New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call the toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday or text "HATE" to 81336. Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a crime or are in immediate danger should always dial 911. The state offers a $5,000 reward to information leading to the arrest and conviction of a hate crime.

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