PRESS RELEASE FROM MAYOR JAMES DUNLEAVY
September 28, 2022
Teaneck Mayor’s Statement on Hate Speech at 9/20/22 Council Meeting
At the 9/20/22 Teaneck Council Meeting, a number of persons, some from other towns, came to express concern over a resolution passed by Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee. The Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee (TDMC) does not represent The Township Council or the Township, and is not associated in any way with the Township as we are a nonpartisan form of government.
At the meeting there were voices raised in concern for the resolution the TDMC passed as it was seen as a broad-brush condemnation of many Hindu/Indian organizations in the United States without a factual basis for including many of these organizations in their statement.
In addition, one person, not from Teaneck, made hateful and accusatory statements against all Muslims.
The Teaneck Township Council strongly condemns these comments and all such comments against any groups, including our Muslim neighbors.
The Teaneck Council has long taken a public position against this and all forms of hate by reaffirming, on yearly basis, a resolution passed in 2019 that denounces hate in all its forms.
Teaneck also wishes to thank Senators Booker and Menendez and others in calling out the use of a bulldozer in a parade in Edison last month, which is a symbol of intimidation against Muslims and other faiths in India.
Teaneck now and will always denounce any words or actions which serve to divide us or inaccurately label groups in a derogatory manner as the TDMC resolution has done. The Township of Teaneck and its Council supports and encourages dialogue over accusations, engagement over inflammatory rhetoric, facts over reactionary perceptions that lead to misunderstanding and divisions that should not exist in our country. Everyone has the right to live here without fear or intimidation and be free to worship as they so desire.
Warmest regards,
Dr. James Dunleavy
Mayor, Township of Teaneck
Address/Location
Teaneck Police Department
900 Teaneck Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 201-837-2600
Dean Kazinci
Manager's Office
[email protected]
201-837-1600