Letter To The Editor: In Support Of Schools Diversity Director

Letter to the editor from Burlington Town Meeting Member Shari Ellis:

Why I support a Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) position.

An incredibly wise friend of mine, a fellow Town Meeting Member, recently told me “you can’t legislate attitude”. While I agree, I also believe that, to understand and change attitudes, we need to become better educated about the issues which created them in the first place. Specifically, for me, and why I support this position, are the documented and anecdotal instances that came to light this summer which put a spotlight on the inequities within our schools and our town.

I have heard the voices of many of my constituents, including teachers, parents, and students themselves, when they shared their stories. As a Town Meeting Member, I not only represent them, but share their concerns.

This is an opportunity for Burlington to embrace values of the diverse groups that make up our community, and to show that we value inclusion and equal access for all residents. I believe that as Town Meeting Members, it is our responsibility to provide our educators and government leaders the tools and resources needed to create policies, programs and practices that reflect tolerance and respect for all residents….especially our children. This effort starts with the schools. Hiring a professional with relevant background and experience, whose primary mission is to consistently focus on the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, is a critical step in assuring that these core values are addressed.

I ask the residents and community members to continue to speak up and speak out; to voice their support to their Representatives and to the School Administration. I ask my fellow Town Meeting Members to support this Warrant Article; providing the School Department the financial resources necessary to hire a leader who will serve as guide on the road to becoming a more accepting and inclusive community. NOW is our chance to make a strong statement about who we want to be as a town and show that tolerance, respect, and equity are values that our community consider important.

Shari Ellis
Town Meeting Member Precinct 3

This letter was produced by Burlington Town Meeting Member Shari Ellis. The views expressed are the author's own.