Andover Government To Create Diversity And Inclusion Division

ANDOVER, MA — Andover is creating a dedicated diversity and inclusion town government division, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan announced Monday.

The new division "will provide resources and will take dedicated, thoughtful actions and initiatives to promote goals we aspire to in our town," he said in an announcement. Those actions and initiatives were not named.

The town is still planning to host a forum on race and racism in July, with the date currently being finalized, Flanagan said.

Flanagan noted that these steps are taking place on the background of a recent incident in Andover where a town employee, a lieutenant with Andover Fire Rescue, followed and approached a resident of Dominican descent while she was checking her own mail.

"This incident is in the process of being addressed and our focus remains on what will result in the most acceptable outcome to the resident that was impacted," Flanagan said.

As of the town's most recent report, he is on paid administrative leave. The fire lieutenant has not been named.

Current and former Black Andover residents have shared experiences with racism in town over the last month, at protests and on social media. Andover High School and Phillips Academy students and alumni have shared racist incidents on Instagram. Hundreds gathered for a Juneteenth celebration, where some shared their personal histories with racism in town.

Flanagan encouraged residents to share concerns, experiences and questions with the town at InclusiveAndover@andoverma.us.

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