Nutley Officials: Asian Bias Perpetrators Will Be 'Answerable'

NUTLEY, NJ — People who perpetuate hate crimes and racism against Asian Americans in Nutley will be “answerable for their actions,” the town’s board of commissioners says.

On Monday, the Nutley Board of Commissioners issued a joint statement condemning an “alarming growth” of discrimination aimed at Asian-Americans-Pacific Islanders (AAPI), amidst the coronavirus pandemic, both nationwide and “within our township.”

• See related article: NJ Bias Incidents Against Asians Up 82%, New Data Shows
• See related article: Outrage In Essex County: 'We Stand With The Asian Community'

“Our goal is to protect and promote mutual respect and appreciation for all people and cultures within our community with no exceptions,” Mayor Mauro Tucci said.

The commissioners wrote:

“News outlets along with local sources are reporting an alarming surge in anti-Asian racism. All legal efforts will be put forth to prevent the public targeting of Asian-Americans, which ranges from bias incidents to hate crimes to inappropriate lawn signs, while remaining cognizant of our nation’s Constitutional right of free speech.”

“Those that perpetuate hate crimes, racism and violate anti-discrimination laws against Asian Americans, and any others will be answerable for their actions,” the commissioners said.

“We ask residents to take affirmative steps to acknowledge, condemn, and correct acts of prejudice and hate,” the commissioners concluded. “Our goal is not to alienate, marginalize, or disregard any of our community members, regardless of race or ethnicity.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.