Morris Township's governing body on Jan. 22 voted to adopt Resolution 47-25, declaring the township a "fair, safe, and welcoming" community and pledging to oppose discrimination and demographic registries.

The resolution, read at length during the meeting, affirms the township's commitment to "ensuring equal access to municipal services and opportunities for all individuals irrespective of their background and or identity," and states municipal leaders and staff will be "guided by principles of equity and fairness." Committeeman Bud Ravitz, who introduced the item, said the declaration was necessary to make the governing body's commitment explicit: "Morris Township is a fair, welcoming, and safe community. We celebrate and will protect our diversity," Ravitz said.

Why it matters: The resolution is intended as a public statement of policy and values. Supporters said it helps build trust between municipal government and diverse communities and reinforces the township's position against discriminatory practices. The resolution was presented as a reaffirmation of local priorities amid attention to state and federal policy debates.

Public comment: Richard Schwartz, who identified himself as representing a local civic group, addressed the committee during the meeting's public-comment period and urged the governing body not only to adopt Resolution 47-25 but to adopt further measures refusing municipal participation in federal immigration-enforcement programs such as the Department of Homeland Security's 287(g) program. "287(g) allows the federal government to reach into the Morris Township Treasury," Schwartz said, arguing that participation would impose local costs for training and equipment and could discourage immigrant cooperation with local police.

Committee response and next steps: Committee members did not adopt a municipal policy on 287(g) at the Jan. 22 meeting. Mayor Griglia and other committee members said they would take public comments under advisement. The resolution itself will be posted for the public as part of the township record and the committee encouraged residents and local organizations to join the town in supporting inclusivity and respect.

Details and context: The resolution language posted at the meeting specifically mentions opposition to demographic registries and commits the township to "fostering community engagement, dialogue, and education to promote understanding, address biases, and strengthen relationships among diverse groups." No enforcement mechanisms or new departmental procedures were created by the resolution; it is a declaration of municipal policy rather than a binding ordinance.

Ending: The committee approved the resolution during the Jan. 22 meeting; any formal policy restricting participation in federal programs such as 287(g) would require separate action by the governing body.