City Council Unanimously Approves Human Rights Committee

A new committee in Beverly will help provide education and support to human rights, diversity, and inclusivity with a goal of raising awareness and sensitivity to matters of human and civil rights.

At this week’s meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the Human Rights Committee, an ordinance created and put forward by Mayor Michael Cahill and Ward 2 City Councilor Estelle Rand.

The eleven person mayoral appointed committee will be tasked with providing the public with contacts at federal, state, and local agencies when appropriate as well as provide ongoing campaigns and host free public information events each year to facilitate public education on the subject matter. The committee is not an adjudicatory body.

“The Human Rights Committee will be a great resource for the community to make sure we continue our tradition here in Beverly as a welcoming and inclusive city for all,” said Cahill.

Cahill thanked Councilor Rand, members of his administration including Chief of Staff Kevin Harutunian and Solicitor Stephanie Williams as well as the volunteer Ad Hoc Committee for working with him on crafting the ordinance as well as engaging with stake holders to ensure the Human Rights Committee had wide support.He also thanked the City Council for passing the ordinance.

“The establishment of a Human Rights Committee will ensure that Beverly continues to be an inclusive and welcoming committee to all,” said Rand. “I am thankful to Mayor Cahill and his administration, my colleagues on the city council, and the members of an ad hoc committee that helped to fine tune the purpose and purview of the Human Rights Committee.”