- Lakewood committe claims that people can watch online faanews reports that a significant portion of Lakewood residents are effectively excluded from participating in or even accessing these virtual meetings. Many families in Lakewood, home to a large population of school-age children, are restricted by school policies requiring parents to pledge that their homes will not contain internet access, smartphones, or other smart devices. This restriction prevents these families from viewing or participating in online meetings.
Compounding the issue, many residents adhere to religious guidelines established by leading rabbis, who advocate refraining from internet-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. These residents often rely on “kosher phones,” which are stripped of internet access and basic functions like email. As a result, they cannot watch or engage with virtual meetings.“When the township holds meetings exclusively online, it’s as if they’ve locked the door to the majority of the population,” said one frustrated resident. “We’re left without any way to participate in decisions that impact our lives.”
