Mayor Adams Appoints Hassan Naveed Executive Director of Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes

October 19, 2022

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Hassan Naveed as the executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC). As executive director, Naveed will oversee the office’s interagency efforts to combat hate crimes using community-based programs and provide support to victims of such crimes.

“Diversity is our city’s secret weapon, and we will never tolerate any form of hate because hate has no place here,” said Mayor Adams. “Combatting the scourge of hate, whether against our AAPI+ community, our Jewish brothers and sisters, our LGBTQ+ population, or any other community that calls this city home, requires a holistic, evidence-based approach. Hassan Naveed is a dedicated, compassionate leader who has a strong track record of bringing communities together, and I am proud to appoint him to lead this crucial office.”

“Hate crimes go against who we are as New Yorkers, and they will not be tolerated in our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “Hassan Naveed is a leader in hate crime prevention with a proven track record of bringing communities together. I look forward to working with him to make sure no one feels unsafe because of who they are, and to make our communities even more tolerant and inclusive.”

“New York City’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths and this administration is committed to ensuring that everyone who lives here is respected and supported,” said Deanna Logan, director, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. “Under Hassan’s leadership, the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes will work with our partners to seek out new and effective ways to prevent the proliferation of hate crimes and make New York City safer and fairer.”

“I am honored to receive this appointment, and grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for this opportunity,” said Hassan Naveed, executive director, Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “I look forward to continuing the city's efforts to fight bigotry, hate, and discrimination, and work alongside city agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations to build a more inclusive and welcoming New York City for all.”

“Hate crimes go against everything we stand for in New York City and our communities will not allow hate violence to fester unchecked,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU) Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “We are excited to continue OPHC and CAU’s close collaboration under Hassan’s leadership to equip communities with the deep partnerships, resources, and support needed to stand with victims as well as to prevent hate and bias.”

“The recent spike of anti-Asian hate attacks, especially against the South Asian community here in Queens, is alarming and must be addressed,” said New York State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson. “I applaud the appointment of Hassan Naveed at OPHC to empower and educate our city against bigotry and hate of all forms.”

“This administration is the most dedicated in history to ending hate crimes. I have made combatting hate against people of every religion and ethnicity a top priority, and Mayor Adams has always provided full support. When a Hindu temple in my district was vandalized twice, the mayor came personally to denounce the incidents, bringing national attention to the issue,” said New York State Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar. “When a woman was assaulted in a racially motivated hate crime in my district, the city’s Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan came to help. Our mayor also promotes mutual peace and understanding through his ‘Breaking Bread, Building Bonds’ program that brings together people of every background to learn about each other’s cultures. This dedication continues with the appointment of Hassan Naveed to be executive director of the OPHC. Mr. Naveed has devoted his career to promoting the safety and welfare of diverse communities, first in the NYPD and now the OPHC. At a time when hate crimes are up 116 percent compared to 2020, Mr. Naveed will provide the leadership needed for every New Yorker to have respect and safety. I look forward to working with him to end hate in our city.”

“When we created the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes in 2019, it was a commitment to New Yorkers that the city will actively confront the systemic threat of hate crimes in a sustained and strategic fashion,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “As New York continues to grapple with hate crimes against ethnic, religious, racial, gender, and sexual minorities, it is clear we have a lot of work to do to champion the safety of all communities and peoples in our city. I believe that Hassan Naveed will bring his many years of experience into a new sense of urgency and action to this vital office to stem the tide of hate.”

“The Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes is a critical partner in our city’s public safety efforts, and helps ensure that inclusivity, unity, and community are integrated into them,” said New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, chair, Committee on Public Safety. “I look forward to seeing Hassan Naveed lead the office in its work toward hate crime prevention and a safer New York for all of its residents and visitors.”

“Hate crimes remain a looming threat against historically marginalized communities, and as a city, we must do everything in our power to eradicate them,” said New York City Councilmember Rita Joseph. “I look forward to working with Hassan Naveed and the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes to protect all of our neighbors.”

“I would like to congratulate Hassan Naveed as the executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes,” said New York City Councilmember Nantasha Williams. “I am confident that Hassan will be an effective advocate for victims of hate crimes and help ensure that all New Yorkers feel safe and protected in their communities. I look forward to working with him and his team to advance these efforts.”

“AVP joins in congratulating Hassan Naveed on his appointment as the new executive director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes,” said Beverly Tillery, executive director, New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP). “Hassan has been a long-term member of the OPHC staff and his experience and dedication to supporting all survivors of hate violence will be instrumental as we continue to support our communities against growing hate violence threats. We are thankful to Hassan for the continued work towards making our world safer for LGBTQ survivors of hate violence and all marginalized communities in our city.”

“The Arab American Association of New York (AAANY) congratulates Hassan Naveed on his appointment as the Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes,” said Marwa Janini, executive director, Arab American Association of New York. “OPHC and AAANY are longtime partners, and throughout our years of working together, Mr. Naveed has been an essential advocate for issues facing Arab and Muslim communities. We are excited for the future of OPHC under his leadership, and we look forward to many more years of partnership as we continue to advocate for all communities affected by hate violence and implement solutions that uplift survivors and vulnerable populations.”

“Since the anti-Asian hate attacks started, Hassan Naveed has been an invaluable resource to our community as a calming and strategic presence,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director, Asian American Federation. “We send our congratulations to him, and thank Mayor Adams for this appointment.  Hassan has a history of bringing various stakeholders together to think about what public safety means in New York City.  His critical thinking skills and thoughtful approach to problem solving will enable us to navigate these challenging times together.  Congratulations, Hassan!”

“The appointment of Hassan Naveed is a step forward in creating a diverse administration that reflects the cultural and religious mosaic in New York City,” said Dr. Debbie Almontaser, CEO, Bridging Cultures Group. “Thank you Mayor Adams for keeping your promise! We are fortunate to have Hassan at the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes for his experience and caliber.”

“At a time when there is an escalation of hate crimes and bias incidents in New York City and the need for solid leadership, the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, ‘The GodSquad’ extends congratulations to Hassan Naveed on his appointment as executive director for Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes at New York City Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice,” said Pastor Edward-Richard Hinds, interim president, 67th Precinct Council.  “With his over ten years experience working on criminal justice issues impacting vulnerable communities, we are confident of the positive outcomes that will be actualized. This appointment adds to the efforts of the mayor's commitment for public safety and equality in New York City and we look forward to working with Hassan Naveed while continuing to strengthen the relationship.”

“With the recent appointment of Hassan Naveed as the director of the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, inspired and creative new leadership has been brought to bear to meet the complex challenges of the horrific rise in hate and antisemitism in our city,” said Rabbi Bob Kaplan, executive director, Center for Community Leadership at the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. “With this giant step forward the Jewish Community Relations Council is proud to be a PATH partner in the work of making this city and its neighborhoods safer and where the dignity of all is honored.”

“Our team at the Muslim Community Network are thrilled to learn about the appointment of Mr. Hassan Naveed to the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes,” said Aniqa Nawabi, executive director, Muslim Community Network. “Mr. Naveed is a community leader, facilitator, and subject matter expert on issues pertaining to community safety and how to resolve safety concerns with the communities' input. MCN has enjoyed working with Mr. Naveed over the years as we dived into learning about how Muslim New Yorkers experience hate crimes in our city. We always found a receptive community partner in Mr. Naveed and how he advised us on our work and also connected us to vital city resources. We are excited about following his leadership in the coming years and working to strengthen the institutions that keep New Yorkers safe!”

About Hassan Naveed
Hassan Naveed serves as executive director of the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. He previously served as acting executive director of the office.

Naveed has a decade of experience working on criminal justice issues impacting vulnerable communities. He previously served as director of outreach at the New York City Department of Investigation’s Office of Inspector General for the New York City Police Department (OIG-NYPD). Prior to OIG-NYPD, Naveed led community efforts in Washington, D.C., that worked to improve hate crime responses and prevention by the local police department involving the LGBTQ+, Muslim, immigrant, and other communities.

Naveed earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his Master of Public Administration from New York University.

Naveed will report to Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III.

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