By ELAINA WEST
Staff Writer
An article by the NY Post discusses the ban of calling someone an “illegal alien” in NYC. The writers, Rich Calder, Julia Marsh, and Aaron Feis, argue about New York’s discrimination laws. The violation is punished by a $250,000 fine. According to the city, the term “Alien” or “illegals” with the intention to dehumanize is considered discrimination.
This goes against the First Constitutional Amendment of “freedom of speech”. Even though it might be said in order to create hatred, it is just words. If there is action behind the words, then it is considered discrimination. For example, if someone was assaulting another person because they are a certain race, that is discriminatory. Carmelyn Malalis, one of the City Hall’s Human Rights Commissioners, says, “…we will do everything in our power to make sure our treasured immigrant communities are able to live with dignity and respect, free of harassment and bias.” Although this is meant to be a good-natured statement, bias is not a good example of “discrimination”.