Public Statements from the CRC
*Updated December 26, 2024:
The Township of Montclair Civil Rights Commission (CRC) emphasizes the importance for respectful, cooperative and harmonious conduct by all parties in Montclair that wish to express their views on U.S. domestic as well as foreign topics. Pursuant to the CRC's charter (https://ecode360.com/7184628), the CRC will engage with all parties and the Town Council to address activities that are perceived to impact civil rights, peace, order and good harmony among all citizens. The CRC continues to condemn all discriminatory actions and behaviors experienced in our schools and in the township.
Montclair: The Civil Rights Commission continues to condemn all acts of bias, discrimination, and hate in Montclair Township. We specifically denounce the recent anti-Semitic vandalism featuring a swastika at 15 Alvin Place, as well as incidents of harassment targeting individuals exercising their First Amendment rights to peaceful protest. Such acts violate fundamental civil rights, human dignity, and our community's values. We affirm every resident's constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free expression. However, these rights must be exercised respectfully, and without intimidation, harassment, or hate speech. The Commission calls on all community members to engage in respectful dialogue regarding both foreign and domestic issues, upholding our shared commitment to civil rights and mutual understanding.
Furthermore, the CRC urges and reaffirms the importance of maintaining a professional, respectful, and safe environment during all Town Council meetings, discussions, and interactions - both when engaging with the public and during private / executive sessions. The CRC urges all Town Councilpersons and all Township staff to move forward in addressing contentious and lengthy issues with a goal-focused culture of mutual respect and cooperation, supported by universal rejection of any hostile behavior.
U.S. domestic: The CRC is deeply distressed and condemns the ongoing prevalence of reported hate crimes and violent, discriminatory rhetoric in public discourse.
Foreign: The CRC is deeply distressed by the loss of life and alleged atrocities in several conflict zones globally. This includes (but is not limited to) the Democratic Republic of Congo, West Asia / Middle East, Bangladesh, Haiti, Ukraine and Sudan.
There is absolutely no tolerance of any kind for threats or harassment towards commissioners of the Civil Rights Commission.
Per the Mission Statement, the CRC urges everyone against engaging in perceived discriminatory behavior against all groups (including but not limited to anti-Islam, anti-Black, anti-Semitic, anti-LGBTQIA+, anti-Arab).