At the Milken Institute Global Conference, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York discussed her new artificial intelligence initiative, emphasizing the importance of making technology more accessible, especially in low-income communities. However, during the discussion, she made a comment implying that Black children in the Bronx were unfamiliar with computers. Following criticism, she expressed regret over her choice of words, clarifying that her goal was to provide better access to technology to open up economic opportunities for all individuals, including Black children in underserved communities.
This is not the first time Gov. Hochul’s rhetorical style has led to controversy. Earlier in the year, she made a comment suggesting the hypothetical destruction of Canada to imply Israel’s actions in Gaza, which she later apologized for. Her comment at the conference, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, has been seen as consistent with her blunt speaking style but has raised concerns about her connection with Black New Yorkers. Some critics pointed out that her A.I. initiative lacked funding for education and workforce development in underserved communities, while others viewed her comment as unintentional and praised her broader message of increasing access to technology for all students.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo criticized Gov. Hochul’s remark as harmful and misinformed, highlighting the continued institutional neglect faced by underserved communities like the Bronx. On the other hand, figures like Rev. Al Sharpton and Assembly speaker Carl E. Heastie saw the comment as a misstep but believed in the governor’s genuine intent to support all students, including those in marginalized communities. They hoped to work with Gov. Hochul to improve access to technology for all students, recognizing the importance of addressing racial disparities in technology access.
Gov. Hochul’s comments at the conference sparked debate about the broader issue of technology access and racial disparities in education and workforce development. While some critics saw her remarks as perpetuating harmful stereotypes, others defended her intentions and praised her efforts to address societal inequities through initiatives like the A.I. program. Moving forward, there is a call for increased investment in education and workforce development in underserved communities to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to technology and economic opportunities.
The controversy surrounding Gov. Hochul’s comment underscores the importance of thoughtful and inclusive language in discussions about equity and access to technology. While some viewed her remark as a misstep that highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities, others saw it as an opportunity to refocus efforts on addressing systemic disparities in technology access. By working collaboratively to provide better access to technology and educational opportunities, policymakers can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, especially those who have been historically marginalized.
