Cultural Diversity Training

The State of New Jersey has one of the strongest bias crime laws in the country. This has given law enforcement personnel a strong tool to prosecute such crimes and punish individuals that engage in criminal acts of prejudice. However, the Office of Bias Crime and Community Relations (OBCCR) recognizes that the best defense against these acts is prevention. To that effect, the OBCCR offers Diversity Training to the staff of schools throughout the state.

These trainings seek to engage individuals in an honest and non-confrontational dialogue about difference, as well as provide an opportunity for exploring the impact diversity has had on each participants’ life. Our skillful facilitators use a variety of techniques, such as interactive exercises and videos, to promote the active participation of every person in the room.

The core principle of the training is the critical analysis of power dynamics as they affect equity and inclusion. The OBCCR works closely with school staff to respond to their needs, thus a presentation’s length can be customized to each individual need. In the past, the OBCCR has conducted sessions lasting from 1 to 2 hours, to half-days to 2 days. We have also engaged in long-term relationships with school districts to create more inclusive and accepting environments. These relationships have typically lasted three years and have led to the creation of district-wide equity teams charged with institutionalizing equity and inclusion.