Dedham TM Votes Selectmen Become Gender-Neutral Select Board

DEDHAM, MA — With the passage of article 22 at Monday's town meeting, the name, "board of selectmen" is officially out of style. Dedham joined a growing list of Massachusetts towns adopting the gender-neutral term, "select board."

This article passed by majority vote, with 127 town meeting representatives voting for and 75 against. It was submitted by a joint effort from 32 town meeting representatives. Both the finance and warrant committees recommended the passage of article 22, according to the town's recommendation report.

In order for a Dedham to officially change the name of the board of selectmen to select board, it needs to revise its town charter. For a municipality to alter their charter, it must file a home rule petition with the state. The state house and senate must vote and approve revisions to the charter and then Gov. Charlie Baker must sign the change into law.

Other Massachusetts towns like Needham, Arlington, Newton, and Brookline have already adopted gender-neutral titles for their elected officials.

Photo by Dan Libon