Diversity Survey Gets Mixed Feedback From Bernards Committee

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — There were mixed opinions surrounding the Diversity & Inclusion Committee's recommendations for Bernards Township.

During the Aug. 10 meeting, three recommendations made by the Diversity & Inclusion Committee were presented to the township committee members.

The first was to upload stories and photos featuring residents and their backgrounds. The second was to create one community database that will feature all organizations in town.

Both of these recommendations were welcomed by all township committee members.

"I think the stories element of the first proposal is a great idea. It will provide an opportunity for our residents to share their unique experiences with one another. And have a greater understanding of the background and journeys of our fellow residents. I believe it will help bring our community even closer," said Township Committeeperson Andrew McNally.

Mayor Janice Fields and Deputy Mayor James Baldassare, Jr. both echoed McNally's sentiments.

However, Baldassare expressed concern over the third recommendation which included a survey being sent out to residents.

Committeewoman Joan Bannan, who also serves on the diversity committee, said the survey is just seeking out residents' opinions to see "what we can do to be more diverse and inclusive."

"It is all optional. No one has to fill it out if they decide not to participate," said Bannon.

Baldassare said he wanted more time to look it over before making a decision.

"I don't think this is the role of local municipal government. There is a lot of personal and subjective information that is on this questionnaire," said Baldassare.

The questions on the survey were not made public at the meeting and resident Cody Smith requested that the township committee make it available for transparency reasons.

In the end, the township committee agreed to the stories and database but not the survey.

"I am sad that the survey got scrapped because I do feel it gives us a baseline to hear from residents how they feel about this because we don't really know," said Nancy Cook, a resident and member of the diversity committee. "I want you to reconsider that."

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