Manalapan will name human rights panel
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - The Township Committee has adopted a resolution that establishes a Human Rights Commis-sion. Members of the governing body envision that the commission will be comprised of volunteers representing different facets of the community.

Mayor Andrew Lucas said the Human Rights Commission was being established as part of an effort aimed at fostering a community climate of tolerance and cultural awareness among the different racial and ethnic groups that now comprise the growing municipality.

Lucas is a lifelong resident of the township. Speaking with a reporter, Lucas said the commission was being established because "we are now a community comprised of many different racial and ethnic groups. The commission will work to educate people about this diversity and work to establish an understanding and respect for each other."

Lucas said his hope is that the township will work with the school board in an effort to effect this initiative. He said he foresees seminars being held at the schools for children and adults that would open communication among neighbors while working to develop respect and tolerance for racial diversity.

According to the resolution adopted by the Township Committee on June 13, the Human Rights Commission will be mandated to " ... convene Manalapan's leadership representing the government, law enforcement, clergy, community, corporate and educational sectors of the county to enhance human relations throughout Manalapan and address issues that may arise in a diverse environment through proactive measures."

The resolution also states that the Human Rights Commission "desires to foster, through community effort or otherwise, good will, cooperation and conciliation among the groups and elements of the inhabitants thereof so that no person shall be discriminated against because of his race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry or age."

The commission will be comprised of seven volunteers who will be appointed by the committee. The appointees will be referred to as commissioners. All appointments to the commission will be for three-year terms. The commissioners will elect a chairman.

According to the resolution, the commission will be "empowered to adopt rules for the government of its business and for its procedure as it may determine consistent with law," and also that the commission will make an annual report to the Township Committee of its activities and shall "periodically make such recommendations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this resolution."