OPINION: Letter to Medfield Voters

OPINION...

To the Medfield voters,

The recent school committee election begs the question, is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) really important to our community or are these just popular platitudes?

It appears we overlooked a qualified candidate who embodies diversity and fell back into our comfort zone of supporting someone who is in lockstep with the status quo.

After attending forums hosted by all candidates on the ballot running for school committee I voted for incumbent Tim Knight and Flavia Benson. While Mr. Knight and I have some differences of opinion, I appreciated his willingness to hear my concerns during an in-person conversation.

With respect to Ms. Benson, I was most excited to support her platform of fiscal responsibility, transparency, and providing a voice for parents and taxpayers - three ingredients I feel are lacking in the current school committee’s agenda. Secondarily, her background is also impressive. According to Ms. Benson’s campaign materials, she is an immigrant from Brazil who overcame educational challenges like learning English as a second language. She dedicates herself to supporting programs bridging socio-economic gaps, and even serves on a board that pays for prosthetic limbs that are not covered under insurance!

By comparison, Ms. Kirkby was a last-minute, write-in candidate who did not run on any issues. Nor did she promote any initiatives. And I do not recall any public availability to answer questions from the voters. Yet, people came out in droves to vote for her. How can we explain this?

Some people speculate that conservatism is an unwelcome characteristic in the dialogue surrounding diversity. Nullifying the accomplishments of a person within a minority group for partisan reasons is wrong and I hope that is not the case here in Medfield.

As many proponents of DEI themselves have mentioned, there is a movement to “step aside and make room” when a qualified candidate presents themselves. Those who stand behind this philosophy should be asking themselves why they voted against it.

It is my opinion that if Ms. Kirkby agrees with this logic, then she should give serious consideration to stepping aside. Regardless, as a community we need to realize that truly valuing DEI means accepting actual diversity when the opportunity is presented to us.

Sincerely,
Rick Fink, Jr.
8 Donnelly Drive