Acton Adopts 'Policy Statement Against Racism'

ACTON, MA — Acton's Board of Selectmen adopted a policy on Thursday "on the town’s commitment to eradicating racism."

The policy acknowledges implicit bias and systemic racism that disproportionately affects Black residents and POC. In the policy, the town strives to be anti-racist and an ethnically unbiased community. To achieve the goal, the town committed to listening to communities of color and understanding the history of racism in the United States and white privilege.

Under the objectives to be implemented, the policy lists opposing systemic racism through "communication practices and other strategies and best-practices." The Board of Selectmen will take recommendations from the Town’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission, to take specific actions related to addressing aspects of racism, and issues related to ethnic and religious groups.

The policy will be reviewed at least annually by the Board, Town Manager and other staff and community stakeholders.

The full policy can be read below: