October 24, 2014
Mr. Thomas Prendergast
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
347 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
CC: The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of New York State
Mylan Denerstein, Counsel to the Governor
Bob Keanan, Director, Advertising Management, MTA
Public Advocate Letitia James
Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
Councilman Mark Levine
Councilman Brad Lander
Dear Mr. Prendergast:
Two years ago our multi-faith coalition met with your predecessor Freddy Ferrer to discuss the urgent need to address the impact of hate speech displayed through paid ads on New York City’s public transportation system. (Please see the attached letter from 2012)
Despite that meeting, MTA customers and the public currently again face MTA ads that articulate distorted and hate-mongering allegations promoted by Pamela Geller and her anti?Muslim group AFDI. As you know, Ms. Geller has the resources to place such ads in mass transit systems across the nation, which is highly problematic and may even increase the risk of violence at a time of mounting anti-Muslim hostility.
We note with approval that the MTA has declined to post one of the advertisements, despite Geller’s threats to litigate. However there are also serious issues with other ads as well. While embracing freedom of speech protections, we would like to discuss with you some added protocols and protections.
As you know, numerous New York City Council members have spoken out about this issue, both at a rally and in the statement issued by CM Daneek Miller on October 16 and signed by 34 members.
We agree with these Council members that hate is unacceptable in MTA ads.
Two years ago we outlined three steps that have been implemented in other cities where Geller has used public transportation ads to promote hate speech.
First we encouraged the MTA to consider placing disclaimer advertisements. We note that this has been done, but the effectiveness of this policy should be reviewed.
Second, we encouraged the MTA to consider redirecting funds received from these hate groups to the New York Human Rights Commission. It is fitting that the money used to promote hatred and bigotry in these ads be redirected to a government entity devoted to defeating hatred and bigotry in our communities.
The MTA told us that it cannot transfer money to another governmental agency. We therefore now recommend that as a matter of policy when the MTA receives proposed advertising that it believes violates its protocols but believes it is required by law to post, that it use funds from these ads to have the NYS Human Rights Commission create and post countervailing signs on behalf of the MTA to be posted as closely to the hate-signs as possible.
Third, we asked the MTA to offer a public statement against the hate ads and the promotion of fear and bigotry in our communities. It is very important to all New Yorkers that the MTA clearly make every effort to marginalize hate speech instead of appearing to exploit it for advertisement revenue.
We additionally recommend a clear policy that ensures equal time for rebuttal when individuals or organizations are named in ads. For example there should be an opportunity for the organizations or individuals named to be able to respond with postings directly alongside the offensive advertisements. Though this does still place a financial burden on groups under attack, at least their response would not be dispersed within the vast transportation system.
Clear protocols and more transparent policies will help protect the integrity of the MTA, the well-being of our City, and the security of all residents. We are happy to advise in the development of such policies.
As members of a diverse coalition committed to building relationships and strengthening the unity of New York City, we look forward to meeting with your office at your earliest convenience. Please send your replies and inquiries to The Rev. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York (212) 870 3532.
Respectfully,
The Rev. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York
Marjorie Dove Kent, Executive Director, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice
Elly Bulkin, Jews Against Islamophobia Coalition
Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director, T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights (Formerly Rabbis for Human Rights)
Sister Aisha Al-Adwiya, Founder & President, Women in Islam, Inc.
The Ven. William Clay Parnell, Archdeacon for Mission, The Episcopal Diocese of New York
Mohammad Razvi, Council of People’s Organization
Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary and CEO, United Methodist Women
Ravi Ragbir, The New Sanctuary Coalition of New York.
The Rev. Robert Chase, Founding Director, Intersections International
Linda Sarsour, Executive Director, Arab American Association of New York
Pricilla Read, Westchester Coalition Against Islamophobia
Catherine Orsborn, Executive Director Shoulder to Shoulder
The Rev. Dr. Katherine Henderson, President, Auburn Seminary
Marcia Kannery, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York
Jaspreet Kaur, Voices for Freedom (VFF)
Rabbi Simkha Weintraub, LCSW
Hardyal Singh, Executive Director, UNITED SIKHS
Christina Tasca, Muslim Community Network
