A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Speck, who was hit by a driver who fled the scene.
Chian Weekes-Rivera says this past summer, her police captain disciplined her for wearing her hair in Bantu knots, a traditional African style.
Both happened over the weekend. The scenarios were similar, and detectives believe both crimes were committed by the same suspect.
In a letter, the superintendent cited financial, cultural and religious equity in the district's decision.
The attack happened just after 3 p.m. inside South Mountain Reservation off Bear Lane, according to the Essex County Sheriff's Office.