Joint Statement from:
Borough of Collingswood
Collingswood Police Department
Collingswood Public School District
April 19, 2024
On Wednesday, April 17th, we convened a meeting among leadership for our respective entities to address community concerns related to recent allegations of racial bias at the high school. While we cannot comment on a specific and active law enforcement investigation, we all share a deep concern for our community, specifically residents and students of color.
As a group, we acknowledge the hurt, pain, and fear associated with these allegations and recognize the impact on many Collingswood residents - adults and children alike.
We share a clear and strong commitment to focus on healing our community while simultaneously continuing to build on the work we’ve done to create a more inclusive and understanding community.
This process requires honesty, openness, empathy, and courage and we need the help of the community. Collingswood is not immune to the harmful effects of racism. We encourage parents and community members to talk to their children, friends, and neighbors about racism and bias in any form and the profound effects it has on all of us.
In the upcoming weeks, we will provide resources and focus on deeper community engagement. Initially, we are organizing workshops for the public led by skilled professionals to actively address and prevent all forms of discrimination. These workshops are offered by the NJ Division of Civil Rights and offer a deep dive into anti-bias topics, proactively addressing discrimination, and bias-based harassment by examining real-world situations. Each training provides participants with practical strategies for preventing bias, harassment, and discrimination. Collingswood will host a series of these workshops, beginning with group sessions on May 21 at the Collingswood Senior Community Center and on June 4 at the Perkins Center for the Arts.
Additionally, on May 16 from 7-9 pm, the Collingswood School District and Collingswood DEI Committee will host an “Amplifying Black Voices” panel discussion at the Collingswood Senior Community Center, providing an opportunity to hear directly from Collingswood residents of color.
Moreover, we are collaborating to establish a website that will include resources, upcoming events, and updates on the work to cultivate inclusivity and combat structural racism. The site is expected to be completed at the beginning of May.
While we work to put together more information, we immediately want to share New Jersey’s Bias Crime Hotline. This is a tip line for individuals who are the target of bias crimes. You can call toll-free at 1-800-277-BIAS (2427). Individuals may also Report Online. Collingswood students may report Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying (HIB) incidents and find resources for reporting online here.
It will be a long road and we do not have all the answers. Let us remain steadfast in the belief that through collective effort and shared responsibility, we can dismantle systemic barriers, foster understanding, and cultivate a culture of equity and belonging for all.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jim Maley
Commissioner Rob Lewandowski
Commissioner Morgan Robinson
Chief of Police Kevin Carey
Superintendent Dr. Fred McDowell
Board of Education President Regan Kaiden
Board of Education Vice President Kate Seltzer
Bruce Smith Collingswood DEI Chair