The governing body of East Windsor passed a resolution on June 2 denouncing the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minnesota, and also commended local students who held a civil, peaceful protest to end racism.
“All of us have watched repeatedly the poignant video depicting the senseless death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, in this year 2020 in this United States of America. The scene should give us all pause and spark serious reflection about the systematic injustices which remain rooted in our nation and the resulting human consequences. Our hopes, our aspirations, our deep seeded values in this land of freedom and opportunity must encompass every single life. None of us can sit idly by, without speaking out and without acting, while other individuals, other groups of individuals do not experience the same fair treatment and opportunity that we wish for ourselves and for our children. We have much future work to do and it only works if we do it together,” Mayor Janice S. Mironov said in a statement.
“Locally, our high school students organized a peaceful protest march on Tuesday [June 2] to speak out on this important societal issue. We commend them for their public protest and the constructive manner in which they coordinated and conducted themselves. We can take heart in their initiative and public voice, as assuredly do their parents, and I am encouraged by the caring desire of these young people to make a difference and to see a change. Let us all recommit to do better and together to navigate our communities and our Nation to a future where every single human being, regardless of race, can truly be at home in America,” she said.
The township resolution states:
“The Township of East Windsor, a community of ethnic, economic and educational diversity, takes great pride in its diversity and maintains an atmosphere of honor, respect and opportunity for every resident and visitor regardless of age, race, creed, religion, origin, sexual orientation or gender identification.
“The township makes great efforts to reach out and work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be involved and considered in all of our actions and activities, so as to best reflect the entire fabric of our community at large and to hear from the many voices that make up the one East Windsor Township.
“Recent demonstrations and protests across the United States, sparked by the video of the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis, Minnesota police officers, challenge public safety organizations and elected leadership across the country to respond honestly and effectively as concerns are raised by residents within our communities.
“The East Windsor mayor and council are deeply saddened by and strongly condemn the actions that led to the senseless and unacceptable death of George Floyd, and the underlying systematic failures which it again so dramatically surfaces.
“The East Windsor mayor and council remain committed to the morally, ethically and lawfully fair and just treatment of all township residents and visitors.
“The East Windsor mayor and council and all township departmental leadership will continue to take necessary steps, to maintain policies and procedures to ensure that all residents and visitors have effective channels of communication and processes, so as to be able bring to us all matters that call into question the fair, impartial and just treatment of anyone and without fear of retribution or reprisal.”