Human Rights Commission

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Commission shall be to make recommendations to the Mayor and Township Council for the formulation of policies in an attempt to foster, through community effort or otherwise, goodwill, cooperation and conciliation among the groups and elements of the inhabitants of the Township with the intent of eradicating bias incidents in our community due to race, color, creed, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation. Additionally, the Commission is to also assist or make recommendations to the Mayor and Township Council for the development of policies and procedures in general and for programs of formal or informal education that will aid in eliminating all kinds of discrimination, mentioned above and shall have such further powers and duties as may be provided by the law against discrimination of the State of New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.).

EMAIL THE COMMISSION QUESTIONS: HRC@TWP.WOODBRIDGE.NJ.US

The Township of Woodbridge acknowledges the need to ordain a formal Commission charged with responsibility of aiding in the elimination of biased incidences in our Township due to race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

The Township is also aware of the recently enacted New Jersey State Law against discrimination, codified at N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq., which specifically authorizes municipalities within the State to appoint local commissions on civil rights to aid and effectuate the purposes of that Act. Although the Township currently has in place a Human Relations Committee, it believes it to be in the best interest of the residents of the Township of Woodbridge that the Township officially creates via Ordinance a Human Rights Commission so that the work of the Commission will be perpetuated superseding the Committee, until repealed by Ordinance.

Purpose

To inform and educate our residents about the vast array of community services provided by the Township
To provide a forum for discussion regarding community issues and concerns
To promote goodwill, cooperation, and trust among the diverse groups of residents in our community.
To eradicate bias in our community due to race, color, creed, gender, ethnicity, physical, mental, or cognitive disability, religious affiliation, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Meeting Dates: 2021

NOTE: 2021 MEETING DATES HAVE MOVED TO 6:00pm IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

(Click the meeting date for Minutes)

January 11, 2021 (Reorganization)
February 8, 2021 (Presenters: Genova Burns)
March 8, 2021 (Woodbridge School District Elementary MLK Essay Contest Winners)
April 12, 2021 (Presenters: Genova Burns & Mercury)
May 10, 2021 (Presenters: Dr. Bonnie Nolan & Addiction Services)
June 14, 2021
July 12, 2021
August 9, 2021(Presenter: Marta Lefsky - Director of Planning & Development on Affordable Housing)
September 13, 2021
October 18, 2021
November 15, 2021
December 13, 2021

All meetings of the Municipal Council will be held in Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, One Main St., Woodbridge, NJ 07095 at 6:00 p.m.

The Council Chambers will be set up for participation to be in compliance with social distancing guidelines set by the State of New Jersey in place on the given date.

Click for 2021 Recommendations from the HRC to the Mayor's Office