Culture Wars/Current Controversies

‘De-whiting NY’: North Africans, Middle Easterners would lose ‘white’ status under state bill

A controversial bill being pushed by lefty legislators in Albany is trying to make the Empire State less “white,” critics say.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens) and Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), would mandate state agencies and other entities use separate categories for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) New Yorkers when collecting demographics data – rather than relying on the US Census, which classifies them under one “white” umbrella.

The state Senate on Thursday voted unanimously to pass it, but González-Rojas’ version of the bill is still facing pushback in the Assembly.

A bill sponsored by Queens Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (pictured) and Queens Sen. Michael Gianaris would separate categories for Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers when collecting demographics data. Hans Pennink

Both pols argue “MENA” individuals don’t benefit from so-called “white privilege” – and instead face discrimination daily by falsely being associated with the 9/11 terror attacks.

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