New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she regrets saying that Black children who grow up in the Bronx don’t know what the word “computer” means.
“I misspoke and I regret it,” she said in a statement Monday.
“Of course, Black children in the Bronx know what computers are — the problem is that they too often lack access to the technology needed to get on track to high-paying jobs in emerging industries like AI,” she said. “That’s why I’ve been focused on increasing economic opportunity since Day One of my administration, and will continue that fight to ensure every New Yorker has a shot at a good-paying job.”
Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, made the comment at a business conference she attended in California to discuss artificial intelligence opportunities for low-income communities.
Assemblywoman Amanda Septimo, a Democrat who represents part of the Bronx, said the statement was “harmful, deeply misinformed and genuinely appalling.”
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Bronx Democrat, came to the governor’s defense.
“While the Governor’s words were inartful and hurtful, I don’t believe that is where her heart is,” he said. “I firmly believe she wants to see all of our students excel.”