Racism, Antisemitism, And Unity To Be Topics Of Millburn 'Community Conversation'

MILLBURN, NJ — With hate crimes on the rise, and recent antisemitic attacks in neighboring Essex County towns, the town of Millburn has invited residents to "A Community Conversation Around Race, Anti-Semitism, Belonging, and Unity" this Wednesday.

The event will be held June 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 in the auditorium at Millburn Middle School, 25 Old Short Hills Road.

Last month, Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Burton sent out a message saying "The district has seen an increase in acts of bullying and harassment by students involving hate and bias," and noting that several students already have been disciplined."

The district declined to get specific, but the increase in attacks on people because of their race or identity has been climbing, say nonprofit groups. And in North Jersey, three specific incidents of antisemitism made the news over the last year, including a homemade explosive being thrown at a synagogue, and more. READ MORE: Antisemitic Writing Found After School Bus Stolen In Livingston

Here is the announcement about the upcoming event:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - Millburn Middle School Auditorium

In light of a rise in racist and antisemitic acts and hate language in our society and schools, the Millburn Township Public School district, led by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christine Burton, is hosting a special event to promote a community conversation around these topics on One Millburn: A Community Conversation around Race, Anti-Semitism, Belonging and Unity, Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

All in the Millburn Township community are invited to attend. This event is being coordinated with Mayor Maggee Miggins, the Township Committee, representatives of community organizations, and leaders of local houses of worship who are joining together as One Millburn, to address these concerns. This event will provide an evening for education, dialogue and collaboration to unite our community in these efforts.

It will be moderated by former Board of Education President, and Millburn Township resident, Jeff Waters. Panelists include:

• Scott Richman, Director of ADL’s New York and New Jersey Regional Office
• Sundeep Iyer, Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights
• Dr. Waffiyah Saleem, DSW, Founder She Matters LLC,

They will share their expertise in acknowledging the current issues, provide information on the reasons these topics are at the forefront and how to recognize them, and offer ways to help families to talk frankly about confronting hateful and hurtful behavior, and working to eliminate it.

Dr. Christine Burton, Superintendent of the Millburn Township Public Schools, says, “Hate has no place in our schools and in our town. Anti-semitism will not be tolerated. Racism will not be tolerated. Ableism will not be tolerated. We cannot allow this kind of speech and behavior to become normalized in our schools and in our society. We must work tirelessly to make our schools and town a place of belonging for all in the community.

"This is just the beginning. The One Millburn Committee will continue to carry this message throughout the school district within student groups and assemblies, parent presentations, professional development, and family resources. Messaging will continue to be disseminated by all of the local community groups on all of their platforms, so we all become part of this important One Millburn mission. Together we will work to embrace our diversity and make Millburn a safe place to live, learn, and grow.”