A statement from the New RoAR News Editorial Board

As early voting begins for this year’s primaries we want our readers to know where we stand when covering politics and political campaigns. 

As members of New RoAR (New Rochelle Against Racism), we recognize that structural and institutional racism and the ideology of white supremacy are embedded in all of the major institutions of this country.  We reject the notion that this ideology is limited to neonazis, the KKK, or any other overtly so-called white nationalist group. We also reject the notion that in the space between horrible events like racist massacres and police killings of unarmed Black people, white supremacy doesn’t exist. 

This understanding also applies to New Rochelle.  We believe that only a consistent racial analysis of the current policies and decision making by our city, school system, and social service providers will provide the level of accountability needed to achieve racial equity. We reject the belief that our demographic diversity alone is sufficient lens for evaluating the health of our city.

New RoAR and New RoAR News will highlight when and where these concerns need to be addressed. We will hold accountable not only those holding institutional power in our city, but also community groups representing those oppressed by these systems and institutions. We will not hide in the shadows or blame people for the conditions in which they live.

We call on all citizens to join in our efforts for inclusion and respect for the human rights of those who are impacted by racist policies and practices.  We believe that our collective efforts can and will alter the way power is currently exercised by all of the systems in our city.

We have chosen not to endorse any candidates in this year’s elections.  Our coverage of election issues has been and continues to be driven by the actions and statements of the candidates and our historical context.   We reserve the prerogative to endorse or oppose candidates in future elections when the need arises.