The letter below references another, originally published March 11 and submitted under the name Mary Brighton. Montclair Local has been unable to confirm Brighton’s identity and has removed the letter published under that name. Should Montclair Local be able to confirm Brighton’s identity after further follow-up, that letter may be restored.
Mary Brighton’s to the editor, published online by Montclair Local March 11, referring to the role of the Montclair Civil Rights Commission as a “takedown and shaming” of a Montclair police officer is inaccurate. Simply stated, the Civil Rights Commission received multiple complaints from the community regarding a racist statement made by the officer on Facebook. Because of his employment by the township and his responsibility to hold the safety of all Montclair residents paramount, the commission deemed the incident worthy of a formal investigation and requested one by the Montclair Police Department.
The Montclair Police Department independently investigated the officer and found his actions warranted discipline.
The Montclair Civil Rights Commission exists as an advisory body to the township. It is charged with eliminating discrimination and minimizing the impact of past discrimination, as well as recommending ways to improve township programs to that end. Additionally, the commission was created to develop relationships within the community to assist in solving problems and easing tensions related to discrimination. The Montclair Civil Rights Commission is committed to seeing that no person is denied equal services in the township (including police protection) by reason of unlawful discrimination.
In addition to grossly misstating the commission’s role, Ms. Brighton’s letter included numerous other inaccuracies and mischaracterizations. The commission is open to discussing all of the above with Ms. Brighton or others who wish to continue the conversation.
Meredith Nahra, commissioner
Ravi Srinivasan, commissioner
Christa Rapoport, commissioner and chair
Montclair Civil Rights Commission
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