Fanwood Mayor, Council Support Asian-American Community: Letter

FANWOOD, NJ — Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and the Borough Council shared a letter showing their unwavering support of their citizens, students and business owners of Asian and Pacific Island descent.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increase in violence aimed at this community across the nation during the past year. We embrace the diversity that has come to define our town and our businesses, especially in the face of stubborn racism," according to the letter.

The letter follows the shootings on March 16 that resulted in eight people being killed at massage parlors in Acworth and Atlanta, Georgia. Read More: 8 Killed In 3 Massage Parlor Shootings, 1 Arrested: Police

See below for the full letter from Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and the Fanwood Borough Council:

Dear Friends,

The Fanwood Borough Council and I stand in unwavering support of our citizens, students and business owners of Asian and Pacific Island descent. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the increase in violence aimed at this community across the nation during the past year. We embrace the diversity that has come to define our town and our businesses, especially in the face of stubborn racism.

We are both heartbroken and angry over the increase in violence and harassment aimed at Asian-Americans. The violence we’ve seen since the emergence of COVID-19 has been unusually bold, unacceptable and criminal.

The Fanwood Police Department is committed to enforcing anti-bias laws and will do so as incidents are reported. Our Board of Education has pledged a welcoming environment to all students and parents, regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs.

As we continue the work of the Truth and Racial Healing Transformation Committee, we want our Asian and Pacific Islander communities to know we support them and have them in our hearts as we work toward better understanding among all people.

Sincerely,

Mayor Colleen Mahr

Councilman Jeffrey Banks

Councilman Anthony Carter

Councilwoman Francine Glaser

Councilwoman Erin McElroy Barker

Councilwoman Kathleen Mitchell

Councilwoman Patricia Walsh