Kramer Hall Takes a Stand: Advocating for Marginalized Communities

By Nicolas Zebrowksi '15 

Stockton’s instructional site in Hammonton, Kramer Hall, was recently designated as a safe place for hate crime victims to receive aid in an initiative spearheaded by the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.  

In late August, Detective Caryn Campanelli from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office reached out to Stockton University’s Kramer Hall, asking the center to join the pilot of the Safe Place Initiative.  

This innovative program, inspired by a similar initiative from Seattle, focuses on addressing hate crimes linked to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), ancestry, disability and marital status. Kramer Hall was identified as a pivotal partner in western Atlantic County, alongside other local businesses such as Casciano Coffee Bar & Sweetery in downtown Hammonton. 

The role of a “safe place” involves displaying a sticker in the establishment's front window, signaling that the location serves as a refuge for victims of hate crimes or harassment. The sticker reads: "This location is a Safe Place for victims of hate crimes and harassment to call 911 and wait for police to arrive." 

Following Kramer Hall’s involvement in the initiative, Detective Campanelli, along with Shavonne Davis, director of Community Outreach for the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, invited me to participate as a panelist in the "Breaking Bias: Bridging Divides in Criminal Justice" symposium. 

Held on Sept. 13 at Stockton’s Atlantic City Campus, the symposium sought to address the challenges marginalized communities face in their interactions with law enforcement, while exploring methods to prevent conflict and foster understanding. 

I was asked to join the panel due to my work in community engagement at Stockton University’s Kramer Hall and my position as vice president of Hammonton Pride, a local organization committed to celebrating and uplifting the queer community of Hammonton.  

During the panel discussion, I addressed the concerns faced by the queer community and highlighted the ongoing efforts of Stockton University and Hammonton Pride to amplify LGBTQ+ voices through various community events. 

I also shared my perspective on the specific hurdles the queer community encountered after participating in Hammonton Fire Department’s annual Christmas Parade – our involvement in the parade prompted threats of violence, negative media coverage and widespread hostility, shedding light on the broader issue of intolerance that still exists.  

These events were further explored in an exhibition, "Drag is Not a Crime," organized in collaboration with the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University and Hammonton Pride, and hosted at Kramer Hall from June 4 through Sept. 27 this year. 

It was a privilege to be a part of the dialogue at the symposium, and I am excited about the future conversations that will continue to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the diverse communities of Atlantic County. 

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