1 May, 2024
Interim Town Manager Elaine C. Lazarus, on behalf of Hopkinton Town employees, is recommitting to the Town of Hopkinton's 2020 pledge regarding systemic racism. The Pledge affirmed Hopkinton’s commitment to address systemic racism, social injustice and inequity in governance and the provision of services to Hopkinton residences and businesses. In a message to Town employees in 2020, Town Manager Norman Khumalo highlighted the Pledge adopted by the Select Board and outlined how employees can fulfill this responsibility through action.
The disturbing reports brought to light by Select Board Vice Chair Shahidul Mannan regarding racism faced by him and his family in the community has served as a reminder of this commitment.
"The conversation started by Vice Chair Mannan has merit, and it reminds us that the work of ensuring that our communities are safe, secure and welcoming for all remains ongoing," Interim Town Manager Lazarus said. "We take our responsibility seriously."
Of note, the town reminds all residents, business owners and visitors of the values set forth in the Hopkinton Town Charter:
"The Town of Hopkinton welcomes residents of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, gender identifications, and sexual orientations; the Town of Hopkinton, further, is committed to providing a climate of safety and acceptance to all residents. The Town of Hopkinton will actively address and resist acts of discrimination, bullying, or intimidation."
Interim Town Manager Lazarus also adds her signature to the Dec. 2020 "Hopkinton Pledge, Principles and Actions on Systemic Racism in our Community and Other Communities." The pledge includes the following principles:
1. We agree that systemic racism is a public health emergency. It must be addressed by strong and decisive actions over the coming weeks and months and by patient and determined efforts years into the future. We are in this now; we are in it for the long haul.
2. We acknowledge that racial biases, social injustice, and inequities exist. We are committed to achieving racial equity and identifying disparities in local municipal services, education, health, housing, transportation, jobs, law enforcement, and youth programming, among others. We are committed to providing safe spaces for community input and dialogue around these issues and we will continue to work together to share best practices and to make progress.
3. We are committed to instituting an approach to municipal services that prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of all community members as its primary goal. We will incorporate practices that seek to de-escalate conflict, minimize the use of force, enhance trust, foster dialogue and promote community engagement with all residents, especially communities of color, into all decisions about the delivery of municipal services.
4. We will continue to address racism within all local municipal services, administered through all Town departments, boards, committees, and officials in a proactive, intentional, and consistent manner.
5. We will make it a priority to take action now, not later. We will also advocate for state and federal policies and funding to enable all cities and towns to accomplish the goals of this pledge.
