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statement-from-new-jersey-american-water-about-recent-events

Statement from New Jersey American Water about Recent Events

Statement from New Jersey American Water about Recent Events

This message is issued jointly, with the valued perspective of our Board Member, Richard T. Smith. Mr. Smith is President of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference since 2013, member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Warden for the Cumberland County Department of Corrections and one of seven Commissioners on the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights.

Dear New Jersey American Water customers,

At New Jersey American Water, the diversity of our people is a source of pride that deepens our knowledge pool in the business, enriches our culture and helps us better serve our communities. Our employees are the heart of our business and their safety and the safety of our customers is our top priority.

We would not be genuine in our goals of Inclusion and Diversity if we did not acknowledge the deep pain felt throughout the Black community and by many of our colleagues and customers at this time, seeing the killing of George Floyd, and others before him, in such an unjust way. 

Sadly, systemic racism and violence places a burden on many of our employees and customers as they try to peacefully go about their daily lives. It is unacceptable that ordinary actions of everyday life are disproportionately unsafe for some Americans. 

There is no single solution, and much of the progress needed occurs outside of the workplace, but here is our commitment at American Water:

  • We do not tolerate any form of racism, bigotry or hatred. This includes any form of racism by customers towards our employees or vice versa. Our employees are encouraged to always report these instances by discussing them with their Supervisors or HR Business Partners, and/or by submitting a confidential Ethics complaint. Any customer who experiences or witnesses any form of discrimination is also encouraged to contact our Customer Service Center at 800-272-1325.

  • Our Security team continues to monitor the many protests occurring around the country in support of racial justice. We are proud that the communities of Camden, Elizabeth, Newark and others in NJ have maintained peaceful protests and that Camden police and city leadership marched jointly with citizens.

  • Due to the violence and destruction of property documented in Philadelphia and elsewhere, we have encouraged our employees to use caution and avoid protest areas during the course of their work, and to use their Stop Work Authority to leave any situation that becomes unsafe.

  • American Water President and CEO Walter Lynch shared a message with our employees, customers and stakeholders this week that reiterates our company’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, which can be viewed by clicking here.

We continue to support our employees and customers through this difficult time and welcome any feedback you may have to help us continue to live our value of Diversity & Inclusion. For more information about American Water’s Inclusive and Diverse work environment, please visit our website by clicking here.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Norton, President, New Jersey American Water

Richard T. Smith, Board Member, New Jersey American Water and President, NAACP, New Jersey State Conference