Hopkinton Select Board Reaffirms Its Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pledge previously established by the Board on Dec. 8, 2020.

During public forum at the previous Select Board meeting, Hopkinton Public Library Assistant Director Jak Miller asked the current board to adopt and reaffirm the Board’s pledge from 2020, especially to account for any turnover among members.

“In Hopkinton, I hope that we’re all uniting together to seek to unite and be examples for others in a path of unity,” Miller said at the last meeting.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus read part of the preamble of the town charter that addresses these topics. “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,” Lazarus read from the charter. “This is what, as a government entity, we adhere to everyday,” Lazarus said.

Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch reaffirmed her pledge that she took in 2020. “I know people in town are feeling vulnerable … and I think it means a lot to them to hear from us that we still support the welcoming statement and the pledge,” said Ritterbusch.

Vice Chair Mary Jo LaFreniere, who also took the pledge in 2020, restated her commitment to it. “I’m fully committed,” said Select Board member Shahidul Mannan in regard to the pledge. “Obviously our town has always stood up for what is right and we have seen it time and time again.”

“I support those words 100%. Nothing has changed,” said Chair Brain Herr, who also took the pledge in 2020.

Select Board member Joe Clark was not present for the meeting.