Princeton Needs To Hold True To Inclusive Values In Aftermath Of 2016 Elections, Community Leaders Say

Princeton, NJ -- There’s no question the 2016 elections were among the most divisive in the history of the country, and with the election of Republican Donald Trump to the nation’s highest office, that divisiveness could easily continue for at least another four years.

“In the aftermath of one of the most divisive elections in our country’s history, it is important for us to come together as a town and recommit ourselves to the values of inclusion, diversity, and opportunity,” Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert said in a statement issued Wednesday evening. “Much can happen at the local level, and we all have a role to play in shaping our community as a place of welcome and support for neighbors in need.”

Anyone with concerns or questions, or who is looking for resources to help themselves, their friends or their family is invited to contact the Princeton Human Services Department at 609-688-2055. The office is located at 1 Monument Drive in Princeton.

“We are learning from residents that there is a need for support services such as counseling and we would like to help you get connected to any assistance possible,” Lempert said.

Lempert and various community leaders will hold a gathering on Thursday night, Nov. 10, in the Community Room at the Princeton Public Library, 6:30 p.m.

“We invite all local leaders, non-profits and community groups to join us in a discussion of how we can all continue to contribute to these efforts,” Lempert said. “It is important for us to work together to reassure our community of our commitment to maintaining and building a unified Princeton.”

The gathering will include the following leaders:

• Liz Lempert, Mayor of Princeton
• Elisa Neira, Executive Director, Princeton Human Services
• Steve Cochrane, Superintendent of Princeton Public Schools
• Brett Bonfield, Executive Director, Princeton Public Library
• The Rev. David A. Davis, The Princeton Clergy Association
• Rabbi Adam Feldman, The Princeton Clergy Association
• Jeff Nathanson, Executive Director, Princeton Arts Council
• Kristin Appelget, Director of Community and Regional Affairs, Princeton University
• Kate Bech, Chief Executive Officer, Princeton Family YMCA
• Judy Hutton, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Princeton
• Leticia Fraga, Chair, Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund
• Bill Schofield, Interim Executive Director, HiTOPS

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