Spring Valley - Rockland Legislator Wants To Combat Hate And Bias

Legislator David Fried, D-Spring Valley, is proposing an award called "Symbol of Harmony" to bestow on any association or group that brings "all residents together in the spirit of harmony, Fried said. "We shouldn't focus on the bad. We should focus on the good."
A public hearing will be held Feb. 7 on a local law to establish the award.
If the award is approved, the Legislature would establish a committee to choose a winner each year.
Criteria for winning the award include reducing discrimination, or enforcement of hate-crime laws; efforts to educate municipal employees or residents about fair housing; and other anti-discrimination efforts and community events that promote pride and inclusiveness.
Winners' names would be put on five highway signs with the award's year and title.