Bernardsville Mayor Organizes Diversity Advisory Council

In response to the protest march in Bernardsville on June 6, Mayor Mary Jane Canose challenged the community to confront racism and social, emotional and economic injustice to create a community of equity and inclusion. To that end, Mayor Canose organized a Diversity Advisory Council to the Mayor comprised of clergy, school representatives, police officers and members of our diverse community. As Mayor Canose explained, "The goal of this group is to engage in the difficult dialog to uncover the inequities and issues in our community. Members have been sharing their experiences, both negative and positive, with their neighbors, the schools, the police and other community groups. It has, at times, been an uncomfortable discussion, but a much needed one."

She added, "Our community is strongest when we summon the courage to stand up and speak out against hate and prejudice wherever we find it - in our neighborhoods, on social media, in our businesses and workplaces. I was surprised to hear members of the Diversity Council share stories of bullying on social media, name calling by their childrens' schoolmates, and racist comments made by neighbors. This is not the Bernardsville in which I thought I lived. And the fact that I was not aware of these behaviors convinces me of the urgency to address them. All members of our community have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. We must confront hateful incidents and act to protect and support each other."

The Diversity Council is now moving forward into creating an action plan that will include engaging and celebrating other cultures, educating the community on diversity, speaking out against acts of hate, and involving more residents in the conversation.