Select Board looking for feedback on Anti-Racism Statement

Feedback

The Select Board have been working on adopting an Anti-Racism Statement. They are looking for resident feedback on the current draft. If you have comments or suggestions on the Anti-Racism Statement, please send them to feedback@stow-ma.gov. The feedback will be collected and presented to the Board at their September 12th meeting. The Statement can be found below and/or attached. 

Town of Stow
Select Board
DRAFT Anti-Racism Statement
 

Racism is not new in America, but the last decade has renewed a focus on race in our country. Actions have ranged from protests to community conversations to new laws being enacted and everything in between.

They were sparked at the national level by high profile killings of black men and women, but these atrocities occurred on a foundation of centuries of decisions and actions that have been deeply embedded into our laws and culture. Conflicts over policies including desegregation, voting rights, redlining, criminal justice, and education have contributed to the racial tension we see today. We share the responsibility to learn about the history of race in America, to challenge ourselves to identify and correct areas of inequity, and to help address injustices so that we can dismantle racism within all aspects of our community.

The Select Board recognizes and acknowledges several facts:

  • We know from the direct experiences of our friends and neighbors that racism has and does occur in Stow even though most of our residents condemn these acts.
  • We know that many forms of racism are subtle and unconscious.
  • We know that many forms of racism are systemic, often set by state and federal policies beyond our control.
  • We know that Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous people are underrepresented in regional municipal workforces.
  • We know, despite the complexity and discomfort, that racism must be addressed proactively: it cannot be ignored if we wish to build a stronger community.

Acknowledgment of facts must be backed by action if they are to have meaning. We are proud of recent actions, including the Board’s proclamations for Black History Month, Pride Month, and Native American Heritage Month and the formation of the employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group and their awareness activities. The Select Board believes a workplace that attracts and retains diverse personnel will allow it to serve its citizenry more creatively, strategically, and productively and supporting the employee DEI program will ensure these objectives, goals, and priorities are maintained. While these steps are important, we know that there is more to do.

The Stow Select Board commits to continuously improving all town policies and procedures to address these challenges head on. We commit to a culture where everyone is welcome and everyone can thrive, regardless of their race. We also acknowledge that racism is often connected to a person's gender, age, sexuality, religious beliefs, class, or ability, and that our policies should account for those relations.

The Select Board does not act alone: Anti-Racism work must be carried out by the community. Policy is shaped by many hard-working volunteers and staff members. We encourage residents to continue this conversation, provide feedback, and serve on town boards and committees. Together we will continue building a town we are proud to call home.