Comments, Thoughts & Opinions
Hate Crimes in Bergen County
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (STAR LEDGER, THE RECORD, COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER GROUP OF NORTH JERSEY, THE LEADER and OUR TOWN)
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
The rash of hate crimes in Bergen County is unsettling and more.
With local, state and national law enforcement on the case, there will be a resolution, and soon, we hope. READ MORE >>
It's No Laughing Matter
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (STAR LEDGER)
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
There is something called the “Cycle of Prejudice” where individuals or groups are not depicted in fair ways, and it’s no laughing matter.
Here’s how it goes. The “Cycle” starts with Conditioning (what early messages do we receive about others who are different); Thoughts and Expectations (what we think and expect of people when we label them, like on the map); Deliberate Avoidance (staying away from people who are different; whom we fear or don’t “like”); Verbal Dehumanization (name calling, labeling, taking away humanity, like on the map); Physical Violence (moving from one level to the next can lead to violence – like broken store windows in Highland Park recently); Institutional Bias (we put systems in place in society which discriminate against those who are different(think about voting restrictions in the 60’s); and Life Threatening Acts (murder, suicide, genocide based on bias and prejudice). READ MORE >>
Many Still Dreaming for Equality, Justice
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
The recent dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., was to coincide with the 48th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and Dr. King's famed "I Have a Dream" speech.
While the dedication was postponed as the East Coast braced for Hurricane Irene, the forces of nature could only slightly delay the unveiling of the monument to a great and articulate leader who spoke passionately and worked unceasingly to make the dream of equal rights, dignity and opportunity a reality for African-Americans and ultimately, for all of us. READ MORE>>
Back to School
COMMENTARY
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
We’ve written about bullying before but now there’s a law to pay attention to - -New Jersey’s Anti-Bullying Law (ABL). The new law, billed as the toughest in the nation, took effect September 1st and requires much of the school districts. READ MORE>>
COMMENTARY
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
Are you an Ally or a Bystander? I certainly hope you are not a Bully.
On the other side of this coin, I also hope you are not a Target. READ MORE >>
Huck Finn Gets a Makeover
DIANE'S BLOG
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
Huck Finn is getting a makeover and it’s not pretty.
It’s not the Hollywood kind of makeover of course, but a misguided “modern” effort.
There is no doubt that Mark Twain’s American literary classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” which was published in the United States in 1885, includes language that today we find offensive, horrid and despicable. READ MORE>>
It's Heartbreaking
DIANE'S BLOG
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
It’s despicable and so sad. Such a loss of respect defies definition and undermines our basic humanity.
I’m talking about the invasion of privacy inflicted upon the Rutgers’ freshman – I omit his name out of respect for him and his family even though it’s well-known in the press – by posting a video of a private sexual encounter as mass entertainment. READ MORE>>
Another Conversation About Race!
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
First we had President Obama's speech on race when he was a candidate, and then we watched the events leading up to the so-called "Beer Summit."
Now we have Shirley Sherrod who dared to share powerful personal learning experiences in her life. How refreshing and how meaningful for us all. READ MORE>>
The Economics of New Jersey's Diversity
DIANE'S BLOG
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
Think about the economic impact of New Jersey’s growing diversity.
Today, New Jersey’s 8.6 million residents are 66 percent White, 12 percent
African American, 15 percent Hispanic and 4 percent Asian. This is a radical
shift from a decade ago, and the future will see our country’s densest state
become even more diverse. READ MORE >>
After the "Beer Summit" - What Have We Learned?
DIANE'S BLOG
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
Well, just because you don't think about race as an issue doesn't mean the race issue no longer exists.
Although some might think we are “post racial” because we have an African American president, the truth is, we are not. Race and race relations are still issues that affects us all. READ MORE >>
Beginning a Conversation on Diversity
DIANE'S BLOG - NJ VOICES
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
The presidential race between candidates Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton and John McCain began a conversation nationally on race, gender and diversity. But while these conversations are elevated to a national level on TV and in newspapers and by our candidates, its in local communities, schools and businesses where the "rubber meets the road" on these issues. Issues of discrimination, prejudice and stereotypical behaviors, mutual respect and overcoming barriers most often happen in places where we come together and intersect in our daily lives. READ MORE >>
We must take this Journey Together
OP-ED
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
Senator Barack Obama has raised a significant issue in America. An issue that has started a conversation among all parties – and in the media especially - on race, ethnicity and the importance of diversity. READ MORE >>
New Jersey: A Statewide View on Diversity
23 Short Years
OP-ED
DIANE SCHWARTZ, PRESIDENT & CEO
As the most racially and ethnically diverse state in the country, New Jersey faces unique opportunities and challenges to create inclusive communities, a productive workforce, a responsive educational system, bias-free institutions and a respectful society. READ MORE »
