Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • April 4, 2012 Mahwah Township council affirms civil rights policy by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Council has passed a resolution affirming the township’s civil rights policy with respect to all officials, appointees, employees, prospective employees, volunteers, independent contractors, and members of the public who come into contact with municipal employees, officials, and volunteers. The resolution states that it is the policy of the 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 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. As a result, the council determined that certain procedures must to be established in order to accomplish this policy. According to the resolution, no official, employee, appointee, or volunteer of the township, regardless of title, will engage, either directly or indirectly, in any 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 or using the township’s facilities or property. The resolution uses the definitions of discrimination, harassment, and civil rights contained in the applicable federal and state laws. Another section of the resolution states that the prohibitions and requirements in the document will extend to any person or entity, including 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. The resolution also states that the township administrator must establish written procedures for any person to follow to report any alleged discrimination, harassment, and violations of civil rights. No person may retaliate against any person who reports any alleged discrimination, harassment, or violation of civil rights, provided however, that anyone who reports alleged violations in bad faith will be subject to appropriate discipline. The township administrator must also establish written (continued on page 15) The Harlem Wizards are set to battle the Mahwah Thunder in an April 21 basketball extravaganza. The game promises to be exciting and amusing, as the Wizards are known for their expertise and antics on the court. A pre-game tailgate party with festivities for children will be held at Ramapo Ridge School on Ridge Road at 6 p.m. The game will follow at 7 p.m. The halftime show will include a contest with a special prize: a stay at Mountain Creek. Harlem Wizards take on the Mahwah Thunder Proceeds from the evening’s events will benefit the Mahwah High School Senior Project Graduation Gala. On the court for the Mahwah Thunder will be representatives from the schools, community, and members of the senior class. Positions are still available. Anyone who would like to play may contact Wizards Chairperson Linda Picone at (201) 661-8686 or ljpicone@aol.com. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and (continued on page 15)