Civil Rights Commission

Meets 3rd Wednesday of the Month
The May meeting will be held May 28
7:00 pm
Borough Hall - 2nd Floor, Blue Room
CivilRightsCommission@rutherfordboronj.com

Council Liaison: Christie Del Rey-Cone

Members:
Chair: Ginny Perrin
Secretary: Lori Rosario-Griffin
Clara Jamison
Jarrod Schaeffer
Cristina Evans-Munoz
Lori Hetzel
Chris Christiana
Gretchen Corsillo, Library Dir. Advisory Member
Eddi Raymond, RHS Student Liaison

Click here for Civil Rights Commission minutes and agendas.

ORIGINS
The Rutherford Civil Rights Commission (RCRC) is a Mayor-appointed Commision composed of Rutherford citizens who put into practice the intent and spirit of federal and state civil rights laws. The first organization of its kind in Bergen County, it was founded in 1964 by former Borough Councilman, Robert E. Wesp whose pioneering maxim, “Do justice, show mercy, walk humbly.” formed the bedrock of the Commission's current purpose to help protect our diverse community's civil rights.
Today, the Commission is governed by a set of By-Laws authorized by the Borough of Rutherford and in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:5-10 - the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. See References for a copy of our By-Laws.

OUR MISSION
The Rutherford Civil Rights Commission serves to promote diversity and equality in Rutherford for the protection of all civil rights against discrimination. Through advocacy, education and collaboration, the commission fosters understanding, acceptance and inclusion of all members of our diverse community.

OUR VISION
Our vision is for Rutherford to be an inclusive community that values empathy and understanding, upholds human dignity, respects human rights for all, so that all feel safe, empowered, and welcome.

OUR VALUES
We value all people and their differences and believe that every individual has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of:
• race
• age
• color
• mental or physical disability
• creed
• education
• sex
• economic status
• gender
• marital status
• affectional or sexual orientation
• familial status
• gender identity or expression
• political affiliation
• national origin/ancestry

OUR ACTION
• We educate by promoting civil rights awareness and coordinating cultural and educational programs that cultivate open and effective dialogue.
• We organize initiatives and events that advocate community, cultural awareness, cooperation and acceptance of all.
• We facilitate opportunities for community members to assemble, be seen and be heard, especially during collective moments of crisis, reflection and civic responsibility.
• We partner with local organizations and businesses to co-sponsor, collaboratively develop and support youth initiatives, community events, and educational efforts devoted to civil rights advocacy.
• * We make recommendations to the Mayor and Council to initiate and improve Rutherford government program, policies and procedures designed to eliminate discrimination or remove effects of past discrimination.
• * We provide voluntary non-binding conflict resolution, an informal process to mediate complaints of discrimination through a confidential, facilitated dialogue in order to help guide parties towards a mutually beneficial resolution of their disagreement.
*dependent on RCRC bylaws consensus

HISTORY/ARCHIVES
Former Councilman and Rutherford Civil Rights Commissioner Robert Wesp is one of the founders and pioneers of the Civil Rights Commission of the State of New Jersey. The Civil Rights Commission of Rutherford is the first organization of its kind in Bergen County. The purpose of the commission is to protect our diverse community's civil rights. We put into practice the intent and spirit of the New Jersey law against discrimination as well as the federal and state civil rights laws. https://vimeo.com/106924025

RESOURCES
• https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/

COMPLAINT PROCESS
As part of its mission and purpose, the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission may provide voluntary, non-binding conflict resolution. This is an informal process to mediate complaints of discrimination, harassment and civil rights violations through a non-public facilitated dialogue to help parties come to a mutually beneficial resolution of their disagreement.

All civil rights complaints shared with the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission must be in written form.

If you have a civil rights concern that you would like to bring to the Rutherford Civil Rights Commission's attention, please include as much information as possible and send the complaint via email to civilrightscommission@rutherfordboronj.com or mail it to:

Rutherford Borough Hall
176 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
Attention: Rutherford Civil Rights Commission