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.

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.

They and other supporters also insist the current system shuts MENA individuals out of qualifying for minority-owned business grants, language programs and other critical government aid and services by labeling them white.

“This bill isn’t anti-white – it’s pro-MENA,” González-Rojas told The Post. “Data is power. It will give elected representatives and state agencies and institutions the tools to better understand the unique and diverse needs of all New Yorkers.”

However, state Assemblyman Alec Brook-Kransy, a Brooklyn-based Dem-turned-Republican, disagreed, saying he believes the endgame is “de-whiting” New York.

“I am deeply concerned that this further separation of New Yorkers into categories . . . may lead to more division,” he said. “If the desire is inclusion, then why are we pushing a path of forcing legislation that will clearly result in separation and further division in our society?”

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