New Program To Help Make Bernards Township 'A More Inclusive Place'

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A new program was launched to help bring Bernards Township together. It will take the place of the township's Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

"The Fabric of Bernards" will focus on educational and cultural programming throughout this year to foster unity and a sense of community, said Committee member Jennifer Asay at the Jan. 26 meeting.

"I am looking forward to elevating this to the township level and working with all of our residents from every background, ethnicity, culture, to make this township a more inclusive and welcoming place," said Committee member James Baldassare Jr.

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee was created in 2021 with a duration of one year.

"We believe it successfully completed its mission and is not needed to continue," said Asay of the D&I Committee.

With it not being renewed some residents were not happy with the idea.

Jessica Blackman who is a mother with children in the township's elementary schools said there is bullying and disrespect of other cultures.

"I want to make sure that this township committee is serious about their commitment to diversity and inclusion," said Blackman. "This town is made up of many beautiful cultures, nationalities, and political views. We are not all white Christian republicans — yet it feels this is the only people represented here."

Nancy D’Andrea also asked to keep the committee.

"There are a lot of people who want it and are afraid to speak up. They are afraid to say anything because of their neighbors. They are afraid to get yelled at by other people on Facebook," said D'Andrea. "So here I am the white person asking for a diversity and inclusion committee. It’s really needed guys."

Before announcing the creation of the new program, Asay responded to commentors.

"Some of you may know that my family proudly presents many groups including transracial, adoptive and special needs," said Asay. "Maybe you can’t tell that by looking at me but as my parents told me — don’t judge a book by its cover."

Currently, The Fabric of Bernards is developing a program with the Asian community for March which will be highlighting the Lunar New Year. This was delayed due to COVID.

Other programs throughout the year will focus on veterans and seniors.

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