Medford To Weigh Declaring Systemic Racism A Health Crisis

MEDFORD, MA — Taking a cue from its neighbor, the City Council will weigh declaring systemic racism a public health emergency in Medford. An item on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting states in part, "be it resolved by the Medford City Council that the city of Medford declares systemic racism to be a public health emergency that demands immediate action from the city and its residents."

The proposal, submitted by councilors Zac Bears and Nicole Morell, invites the mayor and School Committee to join the City Council in its declaration. It also states that the community has a "duty and obligation" to be "actively anti-racist in our words, actions and policies."

Somerville declared systemic racism a public health and safety emergency last week, laying out a 10-step plan to provide "just, unbiased and compassionate policing." Somerville Police Chief David Fallon said his department has been "systematically transforming" how it approaches policing, emphasizing compassion, deescalation and crisis intervention over straight arrests.

The city followed that up by adopting the "8 Can't Wait" police reform policies, which some Medford leaders are considering as well.