Initiatives & Goals

Initiatives

Municipal Equality Index

The Civil Rights Commission works in collaboration with the Department of Human Services each year to consider how Princeton rates according to the Municipal Equality Index (MEI).

Some changes that have been made/suggested on foot of this review are:

Indigenous Peoples Day - Resolution 2019-278 Adopted September 9, 2019

In 2019 the Civil Rights Commission put forth a resolution to adopt Indigenous Peoples Day (PDF) on the 2nd Monday of October in perpetuity. The ad-hoc committee who worked on this initiative was made up of members of the Civil Rights Commission and members of the community including Daniel A. Harris and Patricia Soll.

Part of the resolution is an ongoing commitment to seek equity for Indigenous people. There are three tribal nations that the State of New Jersey formally recognizes: 

  • The Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Tribal Nation
  • The Ramapough Lenape Nation
  • The Renape Powhatan Nation

Article
Read through the article "Princeton is the 2nd NJ locality, first in Philly region to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day" by Ximena Conde.

Census 2020 - Resolution 2019-317 Adopted October 14, 2019

Created a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee (PDF) to plan and conduct local educational initiatives, publicity and promotional activities to increase community awareness and participation in the 2020 Census.

2020 Goals

  • Community Outreach: The CRC committed to renewed outreach efforts. This will mean continuing to build relationships with the many diverse communities within our community, hosting listening sessions, and working with groups to develop public programming.
  • Ban the Box | Review of Municipal Forms for Hiring Practices: New Jersey has banned the check box that asks if applicants have a criminal record during the initial employment application process. The Civil Rights Commission is working with the Town Administrator to identify ways to make the municipal application process even more equitable and transparent.
  • Juneteenth Resolution: The Civil Rights Commission will be working with members of the community to create a Juneteenth resolution to submit to the Town Council for consideration.
  • Reparations Dialogue and Education: Reparations is an issue that is being discussed and considered across the nation. In 2019 H.R.40 - Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americas Act was introduced to the House. The Civil Rights Commission hopes to begin dialogue and provide information about reparations in 2020.