Tewksbury Selectmen To Discuss Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Board

TEWKSBURY, MA — The Tewksbury selectmen will discuss a proposed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee at their meeting Tuesday.

The proposed committee was developed by Selectman Jayne Wellman and Town Manager Richard Montuori. Its role would be to "educate, advocate, recognize, respond and celebrate," according to the draft plan.

It would include a representative of the Selectmen, a representative of the School Committee, a high school-aged student and six residents at-large. The town, school district and police would have ex-officio representatives on the committee.

Any funding for committee projects would have to go through town meeting, Wellman said.

Wellman first proposed it as a "Human Rights Committee" in Aug. 2019.

The Board discussed it at their Feb. 9 meeting but were not prepared to vote on it. They agreed to return to it at their next meeting, with other members sending Wellman proposed edits to the draft of its formation.

Montuori told the Board that all the department heads were supportive of the proposed committee.

The board's Feb. 9 discussion is available here from TewksburyTV. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday and can be watched live at Youtube.com/TewksburyTV, Comcast Channel 99 or Verizon Channel 33.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.