TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE APPROVES RESOLUTION ON POLICE RACIAL, DISCRIMINATORY ISSUES

The Township Committee this week adopted an unusual resolution supporting the police department, urging more diversity in its ranks, and reaffirming that any racial or other discriminatory action is unacceptable from them.

It is unusual in that Maplewood has a great record on such issues.

But, as TC member Marlon Brownlee noted in his introduction to the resolution, recent events elsewhere prompted it.

Brownlee stated:

While our focus is usually, justifiably and obviously on “local” matters - such as our extensive discussions this evening - we also know that there are larger matters outside of just Maplewood that impact our lives in this town as well.

In light of a number of recent, highly publicized and tragic events that have occurred in communities throughout the United States, we the Maplewood Township Committee, as leaders in this town, feel that collectively we have an obligation to speak here with one voice, to say that we value and intend to continue to ensure the public safety of all our residents.

We recognize that our town, like any town in this country, is part of a larger state, and that state is part of the country as a whole, and that no town, even ours, is immune to the racial issues that continue to plague this country - and indeed, the world as a whole - and that it is only through all of our continued efforts and diligence that we will be able to be the diverse, integrated, and truly inclusive community that we aspire to be.

Other municipalities in NJ have adopted resolutions stating what they affirm, including South Orange. Tonight, I’d like to read a resolution of our town’s affirmations, and to ask my colleagues to join me in officially adopting this resolution for the public record.

See the resolution HERE.