By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough -The Northborough Diversity and Inclusion Committee met on March 18 to continue to formulate the direction it will take, going forward.
Formed in August of last year after a summer of protests and outrage over racism across the country, the Committee has been meeting and working through this winter.
Resident survey closes on March 29.
The Committee launched a survey for residents, last month, to solicit feedback on how they feel the town is doing with diversity, inclusion and equity. The survey also sought input on where improvements could be made. The survey will close on Monday, March 29.
As of March 18, the Committee had received 691 responses. Already, members say, that data collected will give the Committee useful insights to help to determine focus in the future.
Chair talks criticism shared in survey
Among those insights, Chair Timothy Kaelin said, were a handful of negative comments. Those specifically questioned why Kaelin, a white male, is the Committee Chair.
“The work of the Committee is much more important to me than sitting as Chair,” he said in response, March 18. “It’s unfair to put the burden of the work on the people who have been impacted by our history.”
Committee members, in turn, responded in support of Kaelin, saying that his different perspective is important.
“The strength of our Committee is our diversity,” said Committee member Diedra Wrighting.
Committee considers long term objectives
Gathering information from other municipalities will assist the Committee as they compile recommendations to present to the Board of Selectmen at a future date, members say.
That process can expand the range of options for Northborough to consider.
Most recently, though, talk has centered on reforms of policies regarding training, education and recruitment. Northborough may also review hiring practices, community policies, community engagement, housing equity and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.
Collaborating with the Northborough and Southborough Public Schools’ Coalition for Equity will, further, be an important piece of that education objective.
Community listening sessions and focus groups, meanwhile, will make up large portions of the Committee’s public outreach efforts.
The Committee will, generally, continue to have guests at their upcoming meetings.
Input from representatives from town departments, committees and boards, members hope, will be an important part of Committee research. That may continue to help the Committee move forward with their mission to facilitate improvements where needed to positively impact Northborough.