The Select Board’s swift action in censuring one of its members this week was an affirmation that elected officials can think whatever they want in private, but they can’t voice hatred of people of differing race, sex, or sexual identity in a public forum without consequences.
In a small, increasingly diverse, self-governing community like Harvard, the need for mutual respect and civil discourse, as set forth in the board’s code of conduct, is especially important. That alone provided sufficient reason to act. But arguably a second document, the board’s “One Harvard” statement on diversity, adopted April 26, 2021, left it little choice.
In addition to its general call that public officials lead by example, the statement declares: “The Select Board of the Town of Harvard unequivocally believes in the value of diversity in our community. A multitude of perspectives and a variety of experiences enrich all those who reside here. We embrace all people of varying race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, economic status, disability, gender identity and sexual orientation. We are committed to making Harvard a welcoming, accepting, and thriving community for all—One Harvard.”
Civility is important, but so is mutual respect. The ability to hear the other side of an argument is critical to addressing and solving together the serious issues Harvard faces—from spiraling increases in the cost of providing municipal services to calls for more housing and commercial growth in a town whose residents value their schools and green spaces. Partisan and hate speech, divisive in its impact, is the opposite of the reasoned debate and negotiation required to meet the town’s challenges.
We commend the board for acting in support of those values. The work of building community together must continue.
