“I am astounded to see that the council overseeing New Jersey’s $77 billion worker pension fund is weighing the possibility of disinvesting in Nike in the wake of their ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick.

“Those demanding this disinvestment are making the strange claim that the Kaepernick advertisements defame the professionalism and valor of emergency responders, particularly those who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.  Nothing could be more absurd.

“The Nike ad campaign addresses a terrible trend in cities across the nation since the election of President Trump –aggressive, and violent officers that threaten those they are sworn to protect or ignore the Constitution and laws they are sworn to uphold. The Nike campaign applauds the courage of athletes who demand that police agencies rid themselves of systemic racism and hold themselves to the highest levels of accountability and transparency.

“The review of the Nike investment is an inappropriate response to a thinly-disguised statement of bigotry. I ask the Council to reject this appeal, drop the study, and return to its vital work of providing for the retirements of all of New Jersey’s dedicated public servants.”

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- NEWARK -

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