(Fanwood, NJ)–A community-wide effort to further a dialogue on combatting racism has resulted in an action plan now being carried out across the Fanwood-Scotch Plains community by groups of concerned elected and community leaders. This action plan addresses ongoing concerns about bias, especially in the areas of policing and education.

This forward movement is the result of an almost year-long listening tour during 2020, culminating in a report that codifies the concerns of citizens, students, and community leaders. The report, listening tour, and the ongoing discussions are conducted under the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) model, a national project funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and others. Our local Fanwood-Scotch Plains TRHT Committee is engaged with consultants and trainers from Rutgers University-Newark in the implementation of the TRHT framework.

Recent incidents of racial bias in our schools and elsewhere in the community prompted our own non-profit group, Social Justice Matters, to recommend the TRHT model.

“This important work is being done by a grassroots committee made up of our neighbors and leaders who are heavily invested in our towns,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr.

The Committee’s report focuses on these main conclusions:

  • Top issues are policing and education
  • Minority parents see their children facing the same challenges at school and in the community that they experienced in their youth
  • Emphasize racial healing, improved consistency in the delivery of a diverse curriculum and staffing in schools
  • Improve communication with police
  • Build improved race relations in general

Since the presentation of the Committee’s report in late 2020, the following actions have been taken:

  • The SPF School District is implementing anti-bias training for administrators and educators
  • The Fanwood Police Department has a more diverse roster and is currently undergoing a review of its policing policies and command hierarchy
  • Fanwood and Scotch Plains leadership have pledged to broaden the scope of their cultural offerings
  • Subcommittees composed of members of our local TRHT Committee are currently discussing these and other topics of concern towards presenting action plans

Superintendent of SPF schools, Dr. Joan Mast said, “We need to ensure all children and families have the same benefit of our excellent school system. We’re committed to sustainable change in equity, curriculum, diversity, and inclusion. This is the time for us to capitalize on this moment as a unified community.”

The Committee also learned people love this community and are willing to work to improve it. Residents of color wish to stay within the community and engage their children in activities. Connections are important – residents want to get to know their police.

Scotch Plains Mayor Joshua G. Losardo remarked, “I encourage members of both communities to contact Social Justice Matters and participate in upcoming programs.  The more candid conversations we have with our neighbors of different backgrounds and experiences, the more we continue to learn from one another and create a better understanding. I appreciate this important partnership with Fanwood, as we continue to proactively work together to improve racial equity.”

A video detailing the Committee’s final report may be viewed or downloaded here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12B8eQEnQ84T5SNMdfUxwrlSwjwCqtqUa/view

If you are interested in getting involved in this work, please contact Social Justice Matters by emailing president@socialjustciematters.org or admin@socialjusticematters.org.