To the Lexington Town Manager and members of the Select Board, 

We are writing as the team of Lexington residents who have designed and facilitated the Dismantling Racism in Our Town curriculum, to express our support for the role of Chief Equity Officer in Lexington.

We know that the most recent person to hold that position has resigned the position, and we have not seen the job posted, which has raised concern that the town may not intend to fill the position. We feel strongly that this position is critically important to our town. We are asking that the position of Chief Equity Officer become a senior-level position and that the Town Manager give priority to filling this position. We believe this will make the role more attractive to strong candidates and that will help reduce turnover for this position. 

The Dismantling Racism in Our Town (DRIOT) curriculum—created in 2019—is an adult education program that advances Lexington community conversations and understanding about race and racism. DRIOT motivates citizens to positive, meaningful actions to make Lexington more racially diverse, equitable and inclusive.

To date, 148 individuals have completed the DRIOT learning journey. Many Lexington elected officials, as well as town employees, have participated in DRIOT, gaining a shared understanding of how racism operates in our society—in general and in Lexington in particular. It is our belief that we can make changes in our policies and procedures so that we can live up to the ideals we espouse in our community. “We truly appreciate the support that town employees have received to attend these sessions as part of their professional development.” 

The role of Chief Equity Officer is a vital role in order to maintain focus on the policies and procedures of our local government to serve all of our citizens. We have seen this role be most effective when it is a senior level position, in order to have a voice at the table when critical decisions are being made. For example, in the Lexington Public Schools, the Director of Equity and Student Supports is a member of the Central Office Leadership Team, which is the closest advisory group to the Superintendent.

This fall, the Massachusetts Municipal Association appointed a Chief Equity Officer. The creation of this position is evidence that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work is key in improving our local governments. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). In a recent annual report, the CDO stated that their work “… encapsulates our journey, achievements, and ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture that values diversity, ensures equity, and promotes inclusivity.” 

The work of Lexington’s Chief Equity Officer included the coordination of an Equity Audit, prepared by Tangible Development. This report identified important themes and recommendations, explained on pages 1-2 in the Executive Summary. Employees feel “DEI work [in Lexington] is performative … and more about intentions than action.” The report findings make it clear that there is a great need for Lexington to have a Chief Equity Officer, and that the Chief Equity Officer needs to be given the power to implement policy and drive a cultural shift toward accountability, support and trust.

In summary, as constituents of the town government of Lexington, we are asking that the position of Chief Equity Officer become a senior-level position and that the Town Manager give priority to filling this position. If any changes are being proposed to the Chief Equity Officer position, we ask that these changes be made public and a public meeting be held prior to a decision. Should you have questions or concerns about this letter, we can be reached at LexDismantlingRacism@gmail.com. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

The facilitators’ team of DRIOT

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  1. Pingback: LPS responds to Trump's executive order on DEI in public schools - The Lexington Observer
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