Document Text
--- Document: Local Unit Civil Rights RESOLUTION Document ---
White Township/Warren County
Local Unit Civil Rights RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION TO AFFIRM WHITE TOWNSHIP’S CIVIL RIGHTS POLICY
WITH RESPECT TO ALL OFFICIALS, APPOINTEES, EMPLOYEES,
PROSPECTIVE
EMPLOYEES,
VOLUNTERS,
INDEPENDENT
CONTRACTORS, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT COME INTO
CONTACT WITH MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, OFFICIALS AND VOLUNTEERS
WHEREAS, it is the policy of White Township to treat the public, employees, prospective
employees, appointees, volunteers and contractors in a manner consistent with all applicable civil
rights laws and regulations including, but not limited to the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 as
subsequently amended, the New Jersey Law against Discrimination, the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the Conscientious Employee Protection Act, and
WHEREAS, the governing body of the Township of White has determined that certain procedures
need to be established to accomplish this policy
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ADOPTED by the White Township Committee that:
Section 1: No official, employee, appointee or volunteer of the township by
whatever title known, or any entity that is in any way a part of the township shall
engage, either directly or indirectly in any act including the failure to act that
constitutes discrimination, harassment or a violation of any person’s constitutional
rights while such official, employee, appointee volunteer, or entity is engaged in or
acting on behalf of the township’s business or using the facilities or property of the
township.
Section 2: The prohibitions and requirements of this resolution shall extend to any
person or entity, including but not limited to any volunteer organization or inter-
local organization, whether structured as a governmental entity or a private entity,
that receives authorization or support in any way from the township to provide
services that otherwise could be performed by the township.
Section 3: Discrimination, harassment and civil rights shall be defined for purposes
of this resolution using the latest definitions contained in the applicable Federal and
State laws concerning discrimination, harassment and civil rights.
Section 4: The township committee shall establish written procedures for any
person to report alleged discrimination, harassment and violations of civil rights
prohibited by this resolution. Such procedures shall include alternate ways to report
a complaint so that the person making the complaint need not communicate with
the alleged violator in the event the alleged violator would be the normal contact
for such complaints.
Section 5: No person shall retaliate against any person who reports any alleged
discrimination, harassment or violation of civil rights, provided however, that any
person who reports alleged violations in bad faith shall be subject to appropriate
discipline.
Section 6: The township committee shall establish written procedures that require
all officials, employees, appointees and volunteers of the township of white as well
as all other entities subject to this resolution to periodically complete training
concerning their duties, responsibilities and rights pursuant to this resolution.
Section 7: The township committee shall establish a system to monitor compliance
and shall report at least annually the results of the monitoring.
Section 8: At least annually, the township committee shall cause a summary of this
resolution and the procedures established pursuant to this resolution to be
communicated within the township. This communication shall include a statement
from the governing body expressing its unequivocal commitment to enforce this
resolution. This summary shall also be posted on the township’s web site.
Section 9: This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Section 10: A copy of this resolution shall be published in the official newspaper
of the township in order for the public to be made aware of this policy and the
township’s commitment to the implementation and enforcement of this policy.
Model General Complaint Procedure:
Any individual who observes alleged wrongdoing on the part of officials, employees, or
volunteers associated with the township of white may report such action using this
procedure. This includes any action the individual believes to constitute harassment,
sexual harassment, or any other wrongdoing. Employees of the township of white shall
follow the Employee Complaint Procedure. All other individuals including volunteers and
members of the public may report the alleged wrongdoing to the head of the applicable
department or volunteer organization, or, if they prefer, or do not think that the matter can
be discussed with the head of the applicable department or organization, they should
contact the Mayor, the Township Clerk or the Township Attorney.
Reporting of such incidents is encouraged both when an individual feels that he or she is
subject to such incidents, or observes such incidents in reference to other individuals. The
report or complaint should be in writing, but individuals may make a verbal complaint at
their discretion. If an individual has any questions about what constitutes harassment,
sexual harassment, or any other workplace wrongdoing, they may ask their supervisor or
one of the individuals listed above. All reports of harassment, sexual harassment, or other
wrongdoing will be promptly investigated by a person who is not alleged to be involved in
the alleged harassment or wrongdoing.
No individual will be penalized in any way for reporting a complaint. There will be no
discrimination or retaliation against any individual who files a good-faith harassment
complaint, even if the investigation produces insufficient evidence to support the
complaint, and even if the charges cannot be proven. There will be no discrimination or
retaliation against any other individual who participates in the investigation of a complaint.
If the investigation substantiates the complaint, appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary
action will be swiftly pursued. Disciplinary action up to and including discharge will also
be taken against individuals who make false or frivolous accusations, such as those made
maliciously or recklessly. Actions taken internally to investigate and resolve harassment
complaints will be conducted confidentially to the extent practicable and appropriate in
order to protect the privacy of persons involved. Any investigation may include interviews
with the parties involved in the incident, and if necessary, with individuals who may have
observed the incident or conduct or who have other relevant knowledge. The complaining
individual will be notified of a decision at the conclusion of the investigation within a
reasonable time from the date of the report an incident.