Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) has apologized for a comment she made during a presentation on Monday, in which she claimed black children do not know what the word computer means.

The New York governor had been speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference to discuss Empire AI, an initiative that aims to make New York a leader in artificial intelligence research. During her discussion, she said this initiative aims to make AI more equitable in the state, as there are “young black kids growing up in the Bronx” who do not know the meaning of the word “computer.”

Hochul has since explained that she misspoke.

“While discussing my commitment to expanding economic opportunity for communities of color, I misspoke and I regret it,” Hochul said in a statement, which her office gave to the Washington Examiner. “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. 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.”

Hochul’s comment received backlash from many users on social media, including some lawmakers in the state. New York State Assembly member Karines Reyes wrote on X that she was “deeply disturbed” by Hochul’s statement.

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“Our children are bright, brilliant, extremely capable, and more than deserving of any opportunities that are extended to other kids,” Reyes wrote. “Do better.”

Assembly member John Zaccaro Jr. also criticized the governor’s comment, which he said “troubled” him.