Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) speaks to reporters about end-of-session legislative bills after a swearing-in ceremony for Court of Appeals Associate Judge Caitlin J. Halligan on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the New York Court of Appeals in Albany, New York. Hans Pennink/AP

Hochul announces development of K-12 media literacy tools to spot conspiracy theories

Luke Gentile November 21, 03:56 PM November 21, 03:56 PM Video Embed

Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) announced Tuesday the development of media literacy tools aimed to teach kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Empire State how to spot conspiracy theories and hate.

“This will teach students and even teachers to help understand how to spot conspiracy theories, misinformation, disinformation, and online hate,” Hochul said in her announcement.

WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT HEARS ORAL ARGUMENTS IN HIGH-STAKES REDISTRICTING CASE

“Start talking about what we’re seeing out there,” Hochul added. “Give the teachers the tools they need to help these conversations in school.”

Young New Yorkers will become inoculated from hatred by learning how to discern between digital fact and fiction, the governor said.

This training will help prepare students for a “very fast-moving and often confusing world,” Hochul said.

The Media Literacy Tool Kit for K-12 Schools will be available to public schools across the state, and it comes as data collected by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services reported increases in online hate speech against Jewish and Muslim communities, according to a release from the governor’s office.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

“The rising tide of hate is putting all New Yorkers at risk, and as governor, I’m committed to tackling this crisis head-on,” Hochul said.

“We’re deploying physical security resources, expanding our threat management and assessment teams, calling for stronger action from social media companies, and encouraging families and communities to come together to fight hate,” she continued. “New York has always been a beacon of hope, tolerance, and inclusivity, and we will be defined by how we come together to condemn hate in all forms.”

© 2023 Washington Examiner

NewsRead More