Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced a $575,000 settlement with Jackson Township, resolving allegations that the Township violated the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) by targeting Orthodox Jewish residents through discriminatory zoning and land use practices.
The consent order, approved by the Superior Court, mandates that Jackson Township repeal discriminatory ordinances and adopt new policies to protect religious freedom. The Township must also undergo ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with the LAD.
The financial terms of the settlement include $275,000 in penalties, a $150,000 restitution fund for affected individuals, and an additional $150,000 in suspended penalties that could be assessed for future violations.
Attorney General Platkin stated that religious freedom is a core American principle and highlighted the importance of holding public officials accountable for discriminatory actions.
The DCR complaint alleged that Jackson Township officials selectively targeted Orthodox Jewish communal gatherings, inhibited the erection of sukkahs, and enacted zoning laws that banned the establishment of yeshivas and eruvim.
The consent order also imposes several remedial measures. Jackson Township will establish a multicultural committee to address issues impacting Orthodox Jewish residents and other discriminatory behavior. Township officials will undergo training on anti-discrimination laws.
The consent order includes the following additional remedial measures:
- Jackson Township will create a $150,000 restitution fund for the purpose of compensating any person who has been harmed by the conduct alleged in DCR’s complaint against the Township. Individuals who believe they have been harmed can contact DCR at JacksonRestitutionFund@njcivilrights.gov.
- DCR will monitor Jackson Township’s compliance with the consent order for three years. The Township will share with DCR any complaint brought to the Township that alleges discrimination in zoning or land use law.
- Jackson Township will establish a multicultural committee, comprised of residents, which will work in partnership with the Township to address issues impacting Orthodox Jewish residents and to combat other discriminatory behavior within the Township. The committee will represent and reflect the demographics of the Township and will create a public education campaign and organize community events to promote diversity and cultural and religious sensitivity. It will meet quarterly and provide reports to the Township and DCR.
- Jackson Township officials, including the mayor and elected members and staff of the Jackson Township Council, the Jackson Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the Jackson Township Planning Board, will undergo training on discrimination in land use and zoning. They will also attend DCR trainings annually during the three-year term of the consent order.
The DCR will monitor Jackson Township’s compliance for the next three years and reserves the right to object to any policies or practices that may affect religious freedom in the Township.