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Town of Lexington, Human Rights Committee Meeting <br /> RECEIVED <br /> Thursday, February 10, 2021 <br /> Virtual 2022 12 May, 11 57 ui °m <br /> TOWN CLERK <br /> 8:30a.m.- 10:36a.m. LEXINGTON MA <br /> Present Members: Tanya Gisolfi [TG] (Chair), Monami D. Roy [MDR] (Vice Chair), Stephanie <br /> Hsu [SH] (Clerk), Christina Lin [CL], Larry Freeman [LF], Melissa Interess [MI] (Town Manager's <br /> Office Member/Human Services Department), Chris Barry [CB] (Police Department), <br /> Cleveland <br /> Coates [CC], Scott Bokun [SB] (School Committee Member) <br /> Guests: Julie Hackett, Johnny Cole, Andrew Stephens, Maureen Kavanaugh, Becky Wilusz, <br /> Dane Despres, Jennifer Turner, Chris Wai <br /> Meeting called to order at 8:31 AM, Quorum was present at 8:31 AM <br /> 1. Welcome <br /> 2. Lexington Public Schools (LPS) Update on Efforts to Reduce Systemic Barriers to Equity <br /> — 2022-01-01 LPS Report on Efforts to Reduce Systemic Barriers o Equity) o Formal <br /> reporting and partnership with LHRC began 3 years ago. For many years prior, LPS <br /> has incorporated DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) work into its strategic plan <br /> including input from constituencies and stakeholders to work on reducing equity <br /> gaps, promoting meaningful inclusion and integration so that everyone in LPS has <br /> a sense of belonging and a feeling of safety at school. <br /> o Work has included addressing disparate school disciplinary practices, access to <br /> advanced coursework and inclusion in the general education learning <br /> environment, Dr. Hackett recognized that while much has been accomplished <br /> much still needs to be done. o LPS has tried to connect its strategic plan to its <br /> partnership with LHRC and expressed appreciation for LHRC's feedback and <br /> suggestions. <br /> LPS Reported efforts on ensuring a diverse workforce including critically <br /> examining current hiring practices and processes. One third of LPS new hires, <br /> including at the administrative level, have been individuals who identify as <br /> people of color and/or Latinx/Hispanic". <br /> o LPS is trying to improve retention of diverse staff, including formalizing affinity <br /> groups, and offering stipends to facilitators. Since 2019 racial and ethnic <br /> diversity has improved, especially for Units A&C teaching positions (INSERT <br /> WEBSITE LINK). <br /> o Committee Questions: <br />