Demand the End of the Murdering of Blacks by Law Enforcement
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Dear Friend,
America has been committing crimes against Black people for over 400 years, dating back to the arrival of the first enslaved Africans who were ripped from the belly of Mother Africa, the cradle of civilization, and brought to the Colony of Virginia as chattel slaves in 1619. Ever since that day in August of 1619, a system was put in place to treat Blacks as less than human. Blacks were deemed to have “No Rights Which the White Man was Bound to Respect”. Our nation has a very checkered past when it comes to the life and rights of Black people. It is that past that plagues us to this very day and still treats Blacks as though our lives have less value and meaning than that of whites. The Black Lives Matter movement grew out of the all too frequent murder of Blacks at the hands of police officers. It has been a call for justice and for police officers to be held accountable for the murder of Blacks.
The foot of hate and systemic racism has been on the necks of Blacks for over 400 years, that same evil foot of hate has snuffed the life out of innocent Blacks over and over again, year after year with little to no consequence. Thanks to the advent of today’s technology and the bravery of passers by a glaring light now illuminates this deadly evil force that continues to go unchecked. BAD police officers wear their disregard for Black lives as a badge of honor and as a license to kill with impunity. The time has long passed for good police officers to stand up and speak out against the evil force of hate and prejudice that permeates their ranks. Now is the time for all good people, black and white, police officers and civilians, to stand up and demand justice for the many lives snuffed out at the hands of law enforcement. How many more Blacks must die at the hands of police officers before the blue wall breaks its silence? How many more scenes of burning infernos must play out on live television before the system is purged and cleansed of the evil that is within? What more must we do?
My grandson should be able to walk down any street USA without having to be afraid of white police officer. My daughter and son-in-law should not have to be concerned about my grandson’s interaction with white police officers when he comes of age. Yet every Black parent worries every day for their sons. The murder of Black men at the hands of white police officers has become a constant, it’s a clear manifestation of unbridled hate.
George Floyd’s last words are as symbolic as they were literal. Black people in this country suffer from a figurative lack of oxygen. We have been unable to breathe because of institutional and systemic racism. There is an inherent bias that permeates every aspect of our lives. It surfaces and is manifested in incidents like these that often end fatally for a black person. By contrast, there have been horrific, violent crimes committed by white persons who still manage to get arrested without being choked, or otherwise killed.
I believe that the majority of people in this country are good and that people who display racist tendencies are in the minority. The fact of the matter, however, is that it's not enough to say "that's not me" and turn a blind eye. If we do not speak up, we are complicit. If we turn a blind eye, we are complicit. If we ignore incidents of brutality, we are complicit. If we ignore racism, we are complicit. Nothing will change until all who oppose discrimination and systemic racism speak out with one voice, and demand the end of the murdering of Blacks at the hands of law enforcement.
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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Exigir el Fin del Asesinato de Afroamericanos por Oficiales de la Ley
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Querido Plainfield,
Los Estados Unidos ha estado cometiendo crímenes contra los afroamericanos durante más de 400 años, desde la llegada de los primeros africanos esclavizados que fueron arrancados del vientre de la Madre África, la cuna de la civilización, y traídos a la colonia de Virginia como esclavos en 1619. Desde ese día, en agosto de 1619, se estableció un sistema para tratar a los afroamericanos como menos que humanos. Se consideró que los afroamericanos no tenían "derechos que el hombre blanco debía respetar". Nuestra nación tiene un pasado muy accidentado en lo que respecta a la vida y los derechos de los afroamericanos. Es ese pasado el que nos atormenta hasta el día de hoy y todavía trata a los afroamericanos como si nuestras vidas tuvieran menos valor y significado que la de los blancos. El movimiento “Black Lives Matter” surgió del asesinato demasiado frecuente de afroamericanos a manos de agentes de policía. Ha sido un llamado a la justicia y a los agentes de policía a rendir cuentas por el asesinato de afroamericanos.
El pie del odio y el racismo sistémico ha estado en el cuello de los afroamericanos durante más de 400 años, ese mismo pie malvado del odio ha apagado la vida de los afroamericanos inocentes una y otra vez, año tras año con poca o ninguna consecuencia. Gracias al advenimiento de la tecnología actual y la valentía de los transeúntes por una luz deslumbrante ahora ilumina esta fuerza maligna mortal que continúa sin control. MALOS policías muestran su desprecio por las vidas de los afroamericanos como una insignia de honor y como una licencia para matar impunemente. Ha pasado mucho tiempo para que los buenos policías se pongan de pie y denuncien la fuerza maligna del odio y los prejuicios que impregna sus filas. Ahora es el momento para que todas las personas buenas, blancas y negras, policías y civiles, se pongan de pie y exijan justicia por las muchas vidas apagadas a manos de la policía. ¿Cuántos afroamericanos más deben morir a manos de los agentes de policía antes de que el muro azul rompa su silencio? ¿Cuántas escenas más de infiernos ardientes deben aparecer en la televisión en vivo antes de que el sistema sea purgado y limpiado del mal que hay dentro? ¿Qué más debemos hacer?
Mi nieto debería poder caminar por cualquier calle de los Estados Unidos sin tener que temer al oficial de policía blanco. Mi hija y mi yerno no deberían preocuparse por la interacción de mi nieto con los policías blancos cuando sea mayor de edad. Sin embargo, cada padre afroamericano se preocupa todos los días por sus hijos. El asesinato de hombres afroamericanos a manos de policías blancos se ha convertido en una constante, es una clara manifestación de odio desenfrenado.
Las últimas palabras de George Floyd son tan simbólicas como literales. Los afroamericanos en este país sufren de una falta figurativa de oxígeno. No hemos podido respirar debido al racismo institucional y sistémico. Hay un sesgo inherente que impregna todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas. Sale a la superficie y se manifiesta en incidentes como estos que a menudo terminan fatalmente para una persona afroamericana. Por el contrario, ha habido crímenes horribles y violentos cometidos por personas blancas que aún logran ser arrestados sin ser asfixiados o asesinados.
Creo que la mayoría de las personas en este país son buenas y que las personas que muestran tendencias racistas son minoritarias. El hecho del asunto, sin embargo, es que no es suficiente decir "ese no soy yo" y hacer la vista gorda. Si no hablamos, somos cómplices. Si hacemos la vista gorda, somos cómplices. Si ignoramos los incidentes de brutalidad, somos cómplices. Si ignoramos el racismo, somos cómplices. Nada cambiará hasta que todos los que se oponen a la discriminación y el racismo sistémico denuncien con una sola voz y exijan el fin del asesinato de afroamericanos a manos de las fuerzas del orden.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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From the Mayor’s Office
Two Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three (2123) Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Plainfield. Total Amount of Fatalities is One Hundred (100).
May 29, 2020
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As of Friday, May 29, 2020, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Plainfield now stands at Two Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Three (2123) within the ages of twenty-four (24) days old to ninety-six (96) years old. There are an additional Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ten (2910) individuals quarantined as a result of exposure to the virus. There is one new death to report today, an 84-year-old Caucasian male. This brings the total amount of fatalities to one hundred (100).
Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation which temporarily extends the deadline to file a property tax appeal to July 1, 2020. This bill has already taken effect and applies retroactively to April 1, 2020.
In addition, my Administration and the City Council have announced a NO tax increase for residents in 2020. The City made reductions in over one hundred (100) budget lines that impact each division. This has resulted in a reduction of $2,262,000, representing 2.6% of the total budget. The purpose of these major budget cuts is to provide relief to Plainfield residents during these very difficult times.
The Plainfield City Council will meet on
June 8, 2020 at 7PM
to vote on the possible adoption of the 2020 budget. Please join this virtual Zoom meeting
HERE
Stay safe, and may God continue to bless you.
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
Sincerely,
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Oficina del Alcalde
29 de mayo de 2020
Queridos amigos y vecinos,
A partir del viernes, 29 de mayo de 2020, el número de casos positivos de COVID-19 en Plainfield ahora es de
dos mil cientos veintitrés (2123)
entre las edades de veinticuatro (24) días a noventa y seis (96) años. Hay otros
dos mil novecientos diez (2910)
individuos en cuarentena como resultado de la exposición al virus. Hay una muerte nueva para reportar hoy, un hombre caucásico de 84 años. Esto lleva el total de fallecimientos a cien (100).
Ayer, el gobernador Phil Murphy firmó una legislación que extiende temporalmente el plazo para presentar una apelación de impuestos a la propiedad hasta el 1 de julio de 2020. Este proyecto de ley ya entró en vigencia y se aplica retroactivamente al 1 de abril de 2020.
Además, mi Administración y el Concejo de la Ciudad han anunciado que no hará aumento de impuestos para los residentes en 2020. La Ciudad hizo reducciones en más de cien (100) líneas presupuestarias que afectan cada división. Esto ha resultado en una reducción de $ 2,262,000, que representa el 2.6% del presupuesto total. El propósito de estos importantes recortes presupuestarios es proporcionar alivio a los residentes de Plainfield durante estos tiempos muy difíciles.
El Concejo de la ciudad de Plainfield se reunirá el
8 de junio de 2020 a las 7 p.m.
para votar sobre la posible adopción del presupuesto 2020. Únase a esta reunión virtual de Zoom aquí: https://zoom.us/j/99101955881
Manténgase a salvo y que Dios continúe bendiciéndole.
Creando Un Plainfield, Un Futuro.
Sinceramente,
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Plainfield Administration and City Council Announce a NO Tax Increase in 2020
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Plainfield Administration and Council Announce a NO Tax Increase For Residents in 2020 and Steep Cuts to City Budget.
May 28, 2020 – Plainfield, NJ – Mayor Adrian O. Mapp announced that the City of Plainfield, NJ, will have a zero percent tax increase for the budget year 2020.
Finance Committee Chair, Councilor Charles McRae, and Council President, Steve Hockaday were drivers of the process that led the City to a NO tax increase budget. The City made reductions in over one hundred (100) budget lines that impacted every single division. As a result of these budget cuts, many programs and planned initiatives will be affected. The City has frozen all hiring and deferred all promotions, and attendance at conferences will be canceled for the remainder of 2020. The summer youth employment program is suspended, all pools are closed, and most City-sponsored events have been canceled. Consultant lines have been cut or drastically reduced, as well as other line items. The overall budget is reduced by $2,262,000 representing 2.6% of the total budget.
"I asked every Department Director to do a forensic dive into their budgets and to cut all non-essential spending, " said Mayor Mapp. "We focused on providing relief for our residents who are experiencing some of the toughest times of their lives. It was not an easy task, and it will impact our employees, city services, and even basic things like office supplies. As far back as we can recall, the City has not had a NO tax increase budget. The financial challenges brought on by COVID-19 require all of us to make hard choices, and austerity measures are needed more than ever before. I commend Councilors Hockaday and McRae for the guidance and leadership they provided as we went through this process. They were thoughtful, firm, respectful, and methodical, and it helped to make a tough process a little easier. We are a city that has weathered adversity and risen to fight again and again. This pandemic has presented the opportunity to stand in solidarity, city government, and residents together."
According to Ronald West, Director of Finance, "There was almost no budget line that was spared as we made cuts. We thank the CBAC, the Council, and the Mayor, who encouraged us to dig deep. I'm happy that the administrative team was able to respond because it took everyone to make this happen. The team took a serious look at their budgets and made tough decisions. In light of the pandemic this will not be painless, but we did what we had to do."
"As Chair of the Council's Finance Committee I, would like to thank my committee members, fellow Council colleagues, CBAC members, Administration and all Citizens who worked and gave valuable input during the budget process," said Councilman Charles McRae. "We asked the Mayor and his Administration to make some hard decisions, and they did. We know it won’t be easy operating and providing services on a drastically reduced budget. Still, challenging times call for creative action, and that is what they will provide for Plainfield residents. We have been able to access available resources and explore the feasibility of a Zero Tax budget plan. We were able to stabilize taxes for residents during this unprecedented pandemic, that is challenging all our residents."
Council President Steve Hockaday said, "I'm grateful for the hard work of the Finance Committee in reaching an agreement with the administration to achieve a zero percent tax increase this year. I'm also appreciative of my council colleagues for asking essential questions during the budget hearings and suggesting necessary cuts to the City's CY 2020 budget. We are also indebted to the CBAC for providing useful feedback from the community's perspective and the members of the public who offered their take on our budget. Each of those perspectives was utilized in reaching this unprecedented agreement during this unparalleled global pandemic when residents need relief more than ever.
I look forward to formally presenting this amended budget to my fellow council members and am hopeful that they agree that a zero percent tax increase is appropriate."
The Plainfield City Council will meet on June 8, 2020, at 7 PM to vote on the possible adoption of the 2020 budget. Residents can join this virtual meeting through the Zoom link here
https://zoom.us/j/99101955881
Click Here for Spanish Version (
Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español)
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The Mapp Administration expresses heartfelt sympathy to family and friends on the passing of Dan Damon
Dan made the reading of the Plainfield Today (PTODAY) blog a "must-read" for well over a decade. He will be remembered for his unapologetic candor in speaking on issues germane to the City of Plainfield.
He will one missed by his many loved ones, friends, and those who looked forward to reading his daily blog.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
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The Video That Outraged America
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Viewer Discretion is Advised - Some of the content of this video may be disturbing
"There comes a time when silence is betrayal" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The disdain and callousness with which George Floyd was treated made a nation that has long had issues with racism shout for justice. He was treated as less than human and his cries for help and for his mother will be a permanent stain on this country.
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Mayor Mapp Discusses
the Reopening of City Hall
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The majority of the nation is working to reopen responsibly and carefully, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp hosted a live broadcast on Wednesday to update residents on his plan to bring employees back into the offices of City Hall.
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COVID-19 Relief | Daily Lunches
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Mayor Mapp, Councilors Hockaday and McRae were joined by members of the City Administration and Community Youth Volunteers to distribute lunches to our residents in need.
The daily lunch distribution is an initiative by the city to provide relief during COVID-19
Lunch can be had daily at the Gerald B. Green Plaza located at the corner of Park and Madison and at the corner of Grant Avenue and W. 3
rd
Street.
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Mayor Mapp's Live Broadcast
with Faith Leaders
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and several Community Faith Leaders participated in our second live fellowship broadcast yesterday. We hope that our community was uplifted, encouraged and unified during these uncertain and challenging times.
On behalf of the residents of Plainfield we extend a heartfelt "thank you" to:
Reverend. Dr. Victor Aloyo Jr
. of Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras
Reverend. Paul Dean
of Visions of God Family Worship
Reverend. Reginald McRae
of Mt. Zion AME Church of Plainfield
Pastor Julio Morales
of
Ministerio Internacional dios con nosotros USA
Pastor Dr. Clinton Parker III
of Calvary Baptist Church
Pastor Wilbur Robinson
of Faith Christian Outreach Center
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Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Deliver Face Masks
to Plainfield
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Union County Freeholders Rebecca Williams, Angela Garretson and Andrea Staten presented Mayor Adrian O. Mapp with 8000 face masks as part of the County's "Mask Up" initiative. We thank the County for their support and partnership. The masks will be distributed to both residents and City Hall employees when they return to the office in mid-June.
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Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Small Business Emergency Relief Fund
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The goal of the UEZ Small Business Emergency Relief Fund is to provide assistance to small businesses who may be experiencing hardship throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. Small businesses play a significant role in the success of our Urban Enterprise Zone and our City as a whole.
Businesses may receive between $3,500 up to $10,000 from the City of Plainfield to assist with payroll, administrative overhead costs, and other operational components that may have been impacted as a result of closure during this time.
El objetivo del Fondo de Ayuda de Emergencia para Pequeñas Empresas de UEZ es proporcionar asistencia a las pequeñas empresas que puedan estar experimentando dificultades durante la pandemia COVID19. Las pequeñas empresas juegan un papel importante en el éxito de nuestra Zona Empresarial Urbana y nuestra Ciudad en gen-eral.
Los empresas pueden recibir entre $3,500 y hasta $10,000 de la Ciudad de Plainfield para ayudar con la nómina, los costos administrativos generales y otros componentes operativos de las empresas que podrían haberse visto afectados como resultado del cierre durante este tiempo.
CLICK Here
for applications and additional information.
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Plainfield COVID-19 Testing Procedure
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Community Support for the
City of Plainfield COVID-19 Relief Fund
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The City of Plainfield has established a Covid-19 Relief Fund to assist Plainfield residents who are experiencing financial hardship during this pandemic.
The relief fund is designed to provide assistance to families and individuals who need help in the areas of Rent, Mortgage, Utilities and other necessities related to Covid-19.
Click Here
to view application and requirements. Completed applications should be sent to COVID19fund@plainfieldnj.gov or may be dropped off at the Mayor's Office at City Hall.
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La ciudad de Plainfield ha establecido un Fondo de Ayuda COVID-19 para ayudar a los residentes de Plainfield que experimentan dificultades financieras durante esta pandemia.
El fondo de ayuda está diseñado para brindar asistencia a familias e individuos que necesitan ayuda en las áreas de alquiler, hipoteca, servicios públicos y otras necesidades relacionadas con COVID-19.
Haga clic aquí
para ver la solicitud y los requisitos. Las solicitudes completas deben er enviado a COVID19fund@plainfieldnj.gov o puede ser dejado en la Oficina del Alcalde en el Ayuntamiento.
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City Council's Budget
Deliberation Schedule
Next Session is June 8, 2020
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Important Update
Plainfield Municipal Court
COVID-19 Virtual Hearings
Effective May 11, 2020
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CLICK Here for Spanish Translation ( H
aga clic aquí para la traducción al español)
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule
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The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on
Communities of Color
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Lower Income Communities | Economic Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic
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The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask During COVID-19 Outbreak
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The CDC is recommending that everyone wear a face mask or cloth covering when they go out in public along with continuing social distancing and other preventive measures.
A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery stores, for example).
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Proper Disposal of Face Masks
and Gloves
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Resource Road Map - Navigating
Through COVID-19
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Click HERE to access the links in the above document.
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Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
Plainfield Must be COUNTED!
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Candid Conversations about Census 2020
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and former boxer Hector Camacho Jr. sat down have an open discussion on the importance of the 2020 Census, how it affects the immigrant population, and what it means to our community.
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Shape Our Future, respond to the 2020 Census today
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The Historical Society of Plainfield and The Drake House Present An Online Exhibit
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The Historical Society of Plainfield/Drake House Museum announces an online exhibit of “Plainfield During WW1 and the Influenza Pandemic.” The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of the 45 soldiers and their Gold Star Families from Plainfield and the surrounding area who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during WW1. Some were born in Plainfield and others were immigrants, but all served their country with courage, bravery, and valor.
Approximately 23 of the men succumbed to the Influenza Pandemic in 1918, and its related diseases. One of the men, Martin J. Kane, died as a result of pneumonia. He was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, and was stationed at Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook. He was called to duty to help guard Sayreville after the T. A. Gillespie Company Shell Loading Plant explosion or the Morgan explosion which occurred on October 4, 1918. This explosion leveled over 300 buildings, burned for 3 days, and forced the evacuation and reconstruction of Sayreville, South Amboy and Old Bridge. It is not known the exact number of casualties from the Morgan explosion, but estimates were over 100 and hundreds more were injured. Conditions were awful, and there was a lack of food and water. Because he succumbed to fatigue, caught the flu, and then pneumonia, Martin Kane was not counted as a casualty of the Morgan explosion. He is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Plainfield.
Special thanks is extended to Leanne Manna, Board of Trustee and Treasurer of the Historical Society of Plainfield, and graduate student at St. John’s University.
Future plans are to have a website dedicated to the men and women of Plainfield who made the ultimate sacrifice in all the wars, a Roll Call of Honor.
You can access the exhibit
HERE
.
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide
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Emergency Food Providers and Resources
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How Does Social Distancing Work?
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
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Coronavirus | Best Prevention Practices
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May is National Military Appreciation Month
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National Military Appreciation Month
(NMAM) is celebrated every
May
and is a declaration that encourages U.S. citizens to observe the
month
in a symbol of unity.
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Clerk to Resume Limited In-Person Services by Appointment Only
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UNION COUNTY, NJ -
Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that beginning on Tuesday, June 2, the County Clerk’s offices will begin in-person appointments to swear in notaries and assist persons seeking to register trade names, tax waivers and clerk’s certificates.
Everyone seeking these services in person is required to make an appointment in advance and wear a face mask at all times, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. No other in-person services are available at this time.
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“We are very carefully resuming a limited number of in-person services in accordance with statewide guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “As we have throughout the outbreak, my staff will continue to provide assistance with other services by phone, email, fax, or postal and delivery services.”
As of today, the following in-person appointments can be made for the County Clerk’s main office in Elizabeth, by calling the Business Division at 908-527-4966 (office hours are 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday):
· Notary swearing-in
· Tax waivers
· Clerk’s certificates
· Trade names
Beginning on June 1, the following in-person appointments can be made for the County Clerks’ annex office in Westfield, by calling 908-654-9859 (office hours are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday):
· Notary swearing-in
· Clerk’s certificates
· Trade names
Any Notaries whose commission date has expired should call the New Jersey Department of the Treasury at 609-292-9292 for assistance.
Please note that the County Clerk’s passport services have been suspended except for life-or-death emergencies within three days of travel, in accordance with U.S. State Department guidelines.
For office locations, and for assistance with other Union County Clerk services visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the free Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Announces that Modified In-Person Graduation Ceremonies
can begin on July 6
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TRENTON -- Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) will issue updated guidance allowing school districts and colleges/universities to hold modified in-person graduation ceremonies beginning on July 6. The guidance will include requirements that ceremonies be held outdoors, adhere to social distancing protocols, and observe capacity restrictions in order to protect the health of students and families celebrating these milestones amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am proud to say that our graduates will have the opportunity to join their classmates and families to celebrate graduation,” said Governor Murphy. “Despite the uncertainty of these times, our students deserve to have their hard work acknowledged and celebrate safely. We have reached a point where we feel confident moving forward and giving our graduates the send-off they have so rightly earned.”
“New Jersey is taking a wise, sensible approach toward graduation ceremonies,” said Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. “This plan balances our desire to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating students, while providing the necessary safeguards for their safety, as well as the safety of their friends, families and school staff.”
“We recognize that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted students’ plans to walk across graduation stages this year,” said Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, Secretary of Higher Education. “We owe it to New Jersey’s students to celebrate their drive to overcome tremendous odds and complete their degrees. With this new guidance in place, we will be working with institutions to help ensure healthy, safe celebrations for students and families.”
DOE and OSHE guidance, which will be issued in full on Wednesday, will include the following requirements for commencement ceremonies:
- Must take place on or after July 6, 2020;
- Must take place outdoors or be drive-in/drive-through (no indoor ceremonies will be allowed);
- Must adhere to the relevant capacity limitation in place at the time of the ceremony (this may require districts to hold multiple ceremonies held over a period of time to ensure capacity restrictions are not exceeded);
- Districts and institutions must determine the minimum number of staff and faculty necessary to facilitate commencement ceremonies and adjust attendance requirements accordingly;
- Caps, gowns, diplomas, and other materials must be mailed to individual student homes, sent electronically where possible, or otherwise distributed in a manner that complies with social distancing guidelines;
- All activities should be coordinated in consultation with municipal officials, such as the local Office of Emergency Management, local law enforcement, first responders, and local health officials.
Districts and institutions of higher education can continue to opt for virtual or drive-through/drive-in ceremonies held in accordance with Executive Order 142. Only virtual ceremonies can be held prior to July 6.
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Please have family and friends sign up to receive these important weekly updates. They can sign up by calling
908.753.3015
or emailing
communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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One Plainfield. One Future
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