Moorestown Group Discusses Racial Inclusion With Congressman Kim

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Members of an alumni group dedicated to racial equity and inclusion in Moorestown public schools recently joined a Rep. Andy Kim (D-3) for a discussion on race.

Representatives from the Moorestown Alumni for Racial Equity and Inclusion (MAREI) joined Kim and other youth leaders for a virtual roundtable discussion on education issues facing the Black community on Thursday.

Specific issues discussed on the call included increasing the recruitment and retention of teachers of color, incorporating racial justice as a component of educator professional development, expanding multicultural curriculum within school districts, and reducing racial disparities in student discipline, according to the congressman’s office.

“MAREI was established to be a foundation for educational change and action. We recognize that the goals of equity and inclusivity need and deserve to be held to a high standard,” MAREI member Jasmine Cartwright-Atkins said. “Together, we can — and will — develop a just and inclusive future.”

In July MAREI submitted a 32-page "Call To Action" to the Moorestown Board of Education. The plan was created after MAREI listened to a multitude of voices, many of them anonymous members of an Instagram group that talks about racism they've experienced in Moorestown. Read more here: Alumni Group, Moorestown Schools Working On Cultural Changes

At its Aug. 18 meeting, members of the Board of Education said they were hoping to have a town hall to discuss racial equity and inclusion sometime during the fall.

MAREI is made up of 30 members of all different backgrounds, and Law said the inclusion of white people in the group is important in a town that is made up primarily of white people. More information on the group can be found on its Facebook page.

The roundtable it participated in was part of a series of listening sessions held by Kim that have included a roundtable discussion about mental health access in the Black community, a conversation about policing reforms with local mayors and law enforcement officials, a roundtable with Black small business owners, and a virtual forum on discrimination and bias.

“One of the issues I heard about months ago as I started these listening sessions was the need for the Black experience to be better reflected in our school’s curriculum,” Kim said. “By bringing together youth and education leaders, we can start the conversations necessary for change to take place. I want to especially thank the young people — high school and college students — who have lent their voice and have been a proven catalyst for change.”

Racial equity and inclusion is an issue that has seen some daylight in Moorestown recently. Hundreds of people of all backgrounds participated in a march in the township following the death of George Floyd. Read more here: Peaceful Protest In Moorestown Honors George Floyd

Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie has also been named to Burlington County’s new Minority and Equality Rights Task Force. Read more here: Moorestown Mayor Named To County Civil Rights Task Force