On May 31, the community will have the chance to engage with a panel of experts on this year’s hot topic, gun violence.
The Haddonfield Human Relations Committee invites residents to delve into some of the most controversial and difficult topics year after year. On May 31, the community will have the chance to engage with a panel of experts on this year’s hot topic, gun violence.
“It seems like gun violence awareness has been dominating our news recently, and we don’t think it is a topic or issue that should fade away,” event chairman Jonathan Maxson said.
Although it is his first year, Maxson, a teacher at Central Middle School, is passionate about this issue and keeping his community as well as his students safe. Maxson believes the meeting will help residents understand Haddonfield is proactive when it comes to gun violence.
Experts in their own fields were chosen to offer an array of information on the issue. The panelists include Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt; behavioral medicine psychologist at Cooper Hospital Dr. Anastasia Bullock; Board of Education President Adam Sangillo; local activist group Moms Demand Action members Shani Nuckolsand Amy Lackpour; and Haddonfield Police Chief Theodore Stuessy.
“We looked at each area that we thought would be important to the audience,” Maxson said. By answering fundamental questions about the laws and policies surrounding gun violence and how to have discussions with children about these issues, residents will feel empowered and knowledgeable about what is going on in the community and how to appropriately address any concerns their children may have.
As a bi-partisan event, all are encouraged to participate in the meeting, which will not be a day to discuss political views, but a day to ask questions and learn from others about a nationwide issue, according to Maxson.
Consisting of brief presentations given by expert panelists, the meeting will allow the community to “think critically” about this important issue through a “variety of lenses,” according to the committee.
Haddonfield Human Relations Commission Chairwoman Ellen Stone has helped organize the yearly forums hosted by the group and believes this one will be a chance to gain to insight from neighbors and local experts. Inspired to host a meeting on gun violence by the Parkland, Fla., shooting, Stone believes knowledge is key to understanding how to handle potential situations involving gun violence
“If I were a parent with young kids, I would like to have the opportunity to ask the right questions,’’ Stone said. “That is the impetus of the meeting.’’
The meeting is on May 31 at 7 p.m. at Haddonfield Borough Hall on the second floor. The meeting is open to the public. Those without children are also encouraged to attend and learn about the safety procedures individuals can take in their everyday lives to protect themselves from being victims of gun violence. Please direct questions about this event to haddonfieldhumanrelations@gmail.com.
“We hope there is a great attendance,” Stone said. “People should come prepared to ask some important questions.”
