There are areas where there is a need for a revamping of the mission,” Johnson said. We believe there is so much more that the committee could be doing. “We were concerned that the council was going to disband a committee that is needed at this time. When the meeting was opened for public comment, residents Robin Bridges Johnson and Krista Gervon told the Township Council that they were afraid that the Human Relations Committee was going to be disbanded. It will include at least one student and one police officer. The 11-member Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee’s members will include people with diverse cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, according to the ordinance. “The council seeks to create and maintain opportunities for engagement, education and discourse to foster open-mindedness, compassion and inclusiveness within the community and beyond,” the ordinance states. “The council believes that equity, diversity and inclusion is an active process that requires continuous commitment to promote healthy people, a healthy community and the overall success of present and future generations,” the ordinance states. The ordinance states that the Lawrence Township Council strives to celebrate equity, diversity and inclusiveness in the community and that it believes that everyone can contribute to promote and strengthen those core values.
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP PROFESSIONAL
The newly created Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will address issues related to, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic class, religion and professional status. The former Human Relations Committee was charged with recommending and evaluating programs directed at increasing cultural awareness and celebrating cultural diversity, and to take such measures as necessary to promote cultural sensitivity within the township. Powers said he would have preferred to amend the ordinance so the Human Relations Committee members could stay on, but Kownacki said they could reapply to serve on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee when the council appoints the members in January 2022. Mayor Jim Kownacki and Councilmen Christopher Bobbitt and John Ryan voted in favor. Township Councilman Michael Powers cast the lone dissenting vote. The Township Council voted 3-1 on the two ordinances – one to dissolve the Human Relations Committee and another to create the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee – at its Oct. That’s why the Lawrence Township Council has disbanded the Human Relations Committee and formed the Lawrence Township Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
Lawrence Township is a diverse community, and some township officials believe it’s time for a fresh start – to move into the 21st century and reflect today’s climate. Diversity Day, which was the committee’s signature event, featured guest speakers, a sampling of ethnic food and entertainment that ranged from dance to Chinese calligraphy and paper folding.įast-forward to 2021, and the needs are different, township officials said.
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