Following the recent and ongoing acts of violence against the Black community, it has become clear that cities and towns across the United States need to reexamine racism in their communities.
The South Hadley Selectboard stands against racism in all forms, including, but not limited to violence, racism in language, in publications and teachings, and in behavior. We stand in mournful solidarity with all of those in the Black community who have lost loved ones to racist acts of violence. Further, we stand with those who have lost their rights and their voices based on the color of their skin.
It is the commitment of the South Hadley Selectboard to proactively seek out and address racism across our town and within our municipal government. From investigating policing, to reviewing housing, transportation, and planning policies, addressing racism as a public health crisis, offering trainings for our municipal employees, and working with the schools, we will not be silent.
Likewise, we call on the entire South Hadley community to not only commit to non-racist behavior, but to commit to act in anti-racist ways whenever racism is encountered. We call on the community to become educated on racism in all forms, passive and active, and the Selectboard will regularly and intentionally engage with all boards, committees, and commissions to ensure that South Hadley is no home for racism.
Let us be mindful of the humanity inside each of us and rise to meet the needs of the Black community with love, dignity, and respect.
Respectfully,
South Hadley Selectboard
Jeff Cyr, chair
Sarah Etelman, vice chair
Chris Geraghty, clerk
Andrea Miles, member