Events in Charlottesville last weekend demonstrated once again how starkly racism, anti-Semitism, and other hateful doctrines remain potent forces in American life. The demonstrations were particularly overt, as if somehow it has become OK to chant vile slogans while marching with swastikas, Confederate flags, and other symbols many of us thought had been banished decades ago.
While Harvard has largely been spared such public displays of intolerance and hatred since the Bromfield rock was defaced with Nazi and other offensive symbols last November, other Massachusetts communities have not.The vandalism last weekend at the New England Holocaust Memorial in Boston is a recent example.
These and other incidents show how precious the norms of civility are to a community and that Harvard must remain vigilant to preserve its own. It’s heartening to see such a commitment written into the draft charter released for review this week.
“Our community is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all,” it declares in its preamble. “We believe that civil conduct in public affairs promotes participation in democracy and that by sharing our ideas and opinions with others in thoughtful and considerate ways, we build a stronger and more diverse community. Inclusionary procedures ensure all voices are heard and all citizens are emboldened to contribute to Harvard’s governance and community spirit. Our talents, the depth of our goodwill, and our diverse perspectives are fundamental to Harvard’s well-being.”
While each of us is responsible for ensuring that these principles prevail, so are town leaders. The proposed charter makes that clear by assigning that duty to the Select Board, requiring it to “act to further the goals and values of the town as set forth in the preamble to this Charter.”
Given the noticeable delay of last year’s board to take a stand against intolerance in town, this is a welcome step and, we hope, an empowering one for our selectmen.
