TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s Department of Law and Public Safety (LPS) continues to broaden the scope of its Racial Justice Initiative with the launch of a new speaker series, as announced by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. The series, open to all LPS employees and community stakeholders, aims to foster conversations on racial justice by featuring renowned leaders in the field.
Initially launched in 2021, the Racial Justice Initiative has spurred various policy changes and the creation of new offices, divisions, and programs aimed at serving historically underserved communities across the state.
“I believe we are morally obligated to pursue and promote racial justice. Ensuring greater equity and justice for underserved communities across our diverse state remains one of my top priorities,” said Attorney General Platkin.
The inaugural event of the 2023 series is set for November 1 and will feature Minnijean Brown Trickey, one of the students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1957.
Brown Trickey will participate in a fireside chat with Attorney General Platkin, discussing her lifelong advocacy for racial, gender, social, and environmental justice. A second event on December 1 will host Professor D. Wendy Greene, Director of the Center for Law, Policy, and Social Action at Drexel University, whose lecture will delve into the social justice movement against hair discrimination.
The initiative has seen the establishment of more than a dozen targeted efforts to advance racial justice. These range from combatting bias, discrimination, and hate to ensuring fair treatment for justice-involved individuals and strengthening community relationships.
Notable achievements include the Division on Civil Rights’ groundbreaking report on the impact of white supremacy in New Jersey and the Juvenile Justice Commission’s policy changes, which have significantly reduced racial disparities in youth placements. Upcoming plans include the public release of a complete list of racial justice initiatives developed by the department.