Arm in Arm began five years ago as a group intent on promoting diversity, inclusion, and cultural education in Harvard, while upholding a safe, inclusive social climate that values our diversity and fosters respect for one another. Over the years, we have hosted events and conversations attended by a growing number of residents. We continually look for new ways to build a stronger community and to be a partner in the larger world.
Yet, as we remain committed to continuing these events, we no longer feel they are enough. One need not only look to national events, where most recently, white supremacist hate groups stormed the Capitol, but there are events much closer to home that also cause us deep concern. In a neighboring town, two Black school committee members were targeted with racial epithets—by a so-called Zoom-bomber—during a public meeting, not once, but twice. In Harvard, Black Lives Matter signs, as well as political signs, have been taken or defaced with hate speech and symbols. Bromfield students made us aware of incidents they have experienced or witnessed in a panel discussion we hosted last month. (See video link at ArminArmHarvard.com under Past Events, Dec 17.) On Nextdoor, we have learned of a right-wing militia group in yet another neighboring town, recruiting members. And, sadly, the list goes on, despite efforts to combat such acts and mindsets.
So, what else can we do to ensure that Harvard is a safe and welcoming place for all our residents and visitors?
Arm in Arm proposes that the town adopt a public resolution that will address our community values, set expectations for those who live and work in our town, and uphold a commitment to being a welcoming, accepting, and respectful community. We believe it to be our responsibility as a community to speak out against racism, hatred, xenophobia, bullying, and discrimination of any kind. The resolution would serve as a point of reference for anyone who witnesses or experiences a hateful or disrespectful act but is unsure how to respond or meaningfully intervene. It could also be cited when reminding others what our community stands for. Our overall goal is to ensure that such a resolution be embraced, adopted, and implemented—that it is part of the everyday lives of those who live, volunteer, visit, and work in our town.
Additionally, we seek to have conversations with our elected officials on their preparedness to address someone who publicly disrupts a meeting, whether virtual or in person, and how to protect the target of any such interruption. Information regarding how to respond should be distributed to all organizations who meet in our community so they will be equipped, if necessary.
We invite town leadership to collaborate with us in the drafting of the resolution and any other policies that the town deems necessary to adopt. We encourage all others who are interested to join these efforts. We remain committed to valuing everyone in our community and ensuring that all voices are heard. We ask that you stand with us to protect our friends and neighbors against any offense based on race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal trait that is done to discriminate, disparage, or otherwise harm them. Arm in Arm’s vision of Harvard is a town where every citizen is treated with equity, dignity, and respect; one that embraces the diversity that enriches the community and the values that define it. Please join us in upholding our vision.
Written and unanimously agreed upon by the Arm in Arm Steering Committee.
