The Prince William Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) yesterday authorized the creation of a Racial and Social Justice Commission with the mission to examine the state of racial and social justice for people of color in the County. 

Proposed by Human Rights Director Raul Torres, The Commission, to include Prince William County citizens, will examine ways to reduce racial disparities, treat all residents equally and proactively give all residents the chance to fully participate in County programs, services and benefits. This is to be in accordance with County Code 10.1 to examine the state of racial and social justice in Prince William County.

Areas of concern to the BOCS include policing, government services and public education. The BOCS would like to have the Prince William County School Board help with the educational component of the Commission. Also, the Task Force or Committee would assess how the county government delivers its services and the diversity and inclusion of the workforce providing these services; and, in partnership with the Prince William County School System, the impact of
public school policies on children of color.

According to the proposal, the Task Force will be responsible for reporting the following:

• Conduct a series of dialogues about racial and social justice
for people of color among members of the community, local
government agencies, and other organizations
• Identify areas of concern within the community
• Research best practices and what other jurisdictions have
learned from similar activities
• Recommend a path forward within a set period of 12
months that will improve racial and social justice for people
of color in the community.

Initially, the Commission will concentrate on policing, the provision of government services and public education, in partnership with the school system. Among other things, the Commission will examine the Prince William County Police Department’s practices and policies, including use of force and hiring.

The Commission will study and propose solutions for racial and social justice within the County and create opportunities for discussions with local governments, agencies and organizations. The Commission will identify areas of concern and research best practices from other jurisdictions and learn from what those jurisdictions discovered through similar activities.

The Commission will submit a report and recommendations to the BOCS for review in December 2021.