There is hereby established, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:80-13 a
Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board of the Township of Mount Laurel
(“Township”) and which shall be known as the “Mount
Laurel Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board” (“Diversity
and Inclusion Board” or “Board”) and which shall
be governed by the provisions of the aforementioned law and this chapter.
The Township of Mount Laurel Diversity and Inclusion Board shall
consist of nine members, who shall receive their appointment from
and be subject to removal by the Mayor with the advice and consent
of Township Council; being the Mayor or his or her designee; one member
being the Chief of Police or his or her designee; one member being
a member of the Board of Education and six members from the general
public. All members of the Diversity and Inclusion Board shall serve
without compensation.
The regular meetings of the Diversity and Inclusion Board shall
be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in municipal
building or at such place and times as determined by a vote of the
majority of the Board, but in no event less than four times annually.
Special meetings may be called at any time by the President or by
any three members requesting the secretary, in writing, to schedule
a meeting. A majority of the full Board shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.
The Board shall develop public education programs, provide training
for Board members and the public and/or Township businesses who may
request same, hold community discussions, present panels, take public
comment, advise Township leaders and develop policies and strategies,
collect and analyze data and disseminate same to Mayor and Council
and the public, create a website, and initiate public relation campaigns,
review Township ordinances, policies and procedures and make recommendations
related thereto. Develop mutual understanding and respect among all
racial, religious, cultural, and ethnic groups in Mount Laurel and
work to prevent discriminatory practices against such groups. Take
an active role in promoting and protecting civil rights by either
initiating community dialogues and/or collaborating with other organizations
to co-sponsor relevant programs and events. Formulate, develop, and
disseminate programs of community information, education materials
and reports which will assist in the elimination of prejudice, intolerance,
intergroup tension, and discrimination or which promote goodwill and
result in better human relations. Assist community groups and various
fraternal, services and benevolent organizations in the promotion
of education campaigns devoted to the elimination of groups prejudices,
racial or neighborhood tensions, intolerance, and discrimination.
A. The Board shall report annually on or before the final December Council
meeting of each year to the Mayor and Council its activities of the
preceding year.
B. The Board may expend such funds as may be appropriated by Mayor and
Council or approved in advance by the Township Manager.
C. The Diversity and Inclusion Board may utilize the services of the
Township Solicitor with the consent of the Township Manager.
The Board shall receive from all officials and all authorized
boards, departments and offices of the Township of Mount Laurel such
assistance as may be required by the Board in the performance of the
duties of the Board, and the Board shall also be given access to all
municipal records and information, as permitted by law, which may
assist the Board in the performance of its duties.
There shall be appropriated in each annual budget of the Township
of Mount Laurel such sum as may be determined by the Township Council
to be necessary for the purpose of meeting the mission of the Board.