N.J. governor launches campaign against hate (01/10/93)

N.J. governor launches campaign against hate

TRENTON, N.J. - Gov. Jim Florio joined a coalition of ethnic and religious groups in signing a proclamation officially launching a statewide campaign to stop the spread of intolerance.

"This campaign is about reducing the level of prejudice in this state by promoting educational and awareness programs," said Gov. Florio, who signed a proclamation declaring the week of December 7-14, 1992, as "Stamp Out Hate In Our State Week."

"We need to rejoice and celebrate our differences rather than insulate or separate ourselves. When our ancestors came to these shores during the past 200 years, many of them rushed to 'Americanize' and shed all evidence of their native country, dress or religious practice. We now realize that we do not need to give up our ethnic identity or cultural traditions in order to be 'good' Americans," he said.

Gov. Florio was joined by a coalition of 18 religious, racial and ethnic groups who are co-sponsoring the campaign. Participants include: the American Jewish Committee; Asian American Civic Association; Aspira of New Jersey; the Archdiocese of Newark Interreligious Affairs Commission; the Commission for Social Justice; Cuban American National Foundation; Englewood Hispanic Association; Federation of Korean Association of New Jersey; Indo-Asian Cultural Society; Japanese Americans Citizens League; Lithuanian American Community Inc., N.J. District; NAACP of New Jersey; National Conference of Christians and Jews; Organization of Chinese Americans; the Order Sons of Italy in America; Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey; State Council of Urban Leagues, and the Ukrainian National Association.

The coalition's proposed plans include a Community Wide Forum on Prejudice Reduction to be held in the spring; outreach efforts to religious communities; working with the state Commission on Racism, Racial and Religious Violence and local human rights commissioners, and a "Stamp Out Hate" button campaign aimed at schoolchildren.

"Education is the key. Through education, we can teach our children the value of tolerance. We can teach the value of belonging to something larger than themselves - a sense of community. Today, we must remain united in purpose," Gov. Florio said. "New Jersey is committed to reducing the level of prejudice in our state and our laws reflect that commitment. We can take great pride in the fact that we have some of the toughest hate crime laws in the nation."

"New Jersey's diversity is what makes this state and its people strong, but that diversity exacts a certain price. It demands that we be tolerant of each other. That is the goal of this statewide public awareness campaign - to create a society where everyone is free to celebrate their religious beliefs and ethnic heritage."

Since he took office, Gov. Florio has signed an executive order creating the Commission on Racism, Racial and Religious Violence, and also signed a law increasing penalties for hate crimes.

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