Dear fellow Hanoverians:
There has been quite a bit of dialogue in town over the past few days and
weeks regarding the optional Anti-Bias Leadership program and the Raising
Multicultural Kids program that have been introduced in the Hanover Schools
over the past few years.
Last week, Around Town on the Web (ATOTW) published a statement that was
sent in to ATOTW from the Hanover Unity Council supporting these programs
and asking for signatures. After that statement was sent out, one Hanover
resident wrote in to ATOTW asking for “the other side”. As the ATOTW
editor, I wrote back to that one resident, sending her some links to some
information that I found readily available on the Hanover Schools website.
Up until that point, I had not heard from “the other side”, but I was happy
to help her to find the information she sought.
After some thought, and in an effort to be fair, I thought I would send
that same information to the rest of ATOTW’s readers today.
Here is the link to the petition that was presented by “the other side” to
the Hanover School Committee at their meeting of December 8, 2021:
http://atotw.com/maillist/lt.php?tid=hp4R/dRvl4CfN1K0yuTG2etzVJPD291BiZQ1qg2c30poqLt7nDPoRqoN783ZLADJ
Here is the link to the video recording of the School Committee meeting of
December 8th, 2021:
http://atotw.com/maillist/lt.php?tid=V9LNIZOnzKKwWDBexVsbR+tzVJPD2+1BiZQ1qg2c30poqLt7nDPYRqoN783ZLADJ
ATOTW heard directly from “the other side” petitioners (now known as “The
Motherlode”) for the first time late last week. Since the Hanover Unity
Council statement was looking for signatures, again in an effort to be
fair, I have attached The Motherlode’s original petition.
I am sure this topic will continue to be discussed publicly and privately
in the future. My hope for all of us is that we do so cordially,
reasonably, and without vitriol. ATOTW will not get involved in the debate
but will continue to provide information, as always. As a reminder, the
purpose of ATOTW may be found here:
http://atotw.com/maillist/lt.php?tid=Xhch+CUVm9+c9dgGcDDHt+tzVJPD2+1BiZQ1qg2c30poqLt7nDN4RqoN783ZLADJ
To close, below please find the Statement on Community Inclusiveness that
was signed by the Select Board in the fall of 2020.
“The Hanover Board of Selectmen clearly and unequivocally denounces racism,
discrimination, and hate in all forms. We are living through a time of
unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and
all-too-familiar calls to address injustices, discrimination, and racism in
our communities. In addressing these challenges, we have all been forced to
reexamine and question our norms, history, and relationships with one
another. Let us reframe these challenges as an opportunity to come together
and recognize that Hanoverians experience racism and prejudice while
engaging in a meaningful dialogue that recognizes and values diversity and
inclusivity in our town.
As your local elected leaders, we pledge to promote positive, necessary
change and we will deliver on that responsibility. We have a duty to
ourselves, our residents, employees, visitors, and businesses to ensure
that everyone who enters our community is treated with respect and dignity.
Hanover has rich traditions of town spirit, community involvement, and
kindness. As a community, we strive to welcome people of every race, ethnic
background, national origin, religion, ability, gender identity, and sexual
orientation. In this light, we encourage residents to actively seek common
ground while working to nurture an inclusive, anti-racist, and welcoming
community. Hanover is great but we can be even better. Join us in making
tomorrow better than today.”
I hope we can continue to recognize and value diversity and inclusivity in
our town. I look forward to promoting events on ATOTW that do just that.
For “Around Town on the Web”,
Cathy H-B
—
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