Laserfiche WebLink
Breadcrumb Navigation:
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420 <br /> <br />Town of Lexington <br />Lexington Human Rights Committee <br /> <br /> <br />Letter to Editor, Lexington Observer - FINAL version (7/19/2023) <br /> <br />This past May, a Lexington Observer article on affirmative action containing opinions from a variety of Lexington <br />residents resulted in divisive and hurtful comments towards individuals quoted in the article. We, the Lexington <br />Human Rights Committee, (LHRC) fully support and encourage free speech and public discourse. The plurality of <br />perspectives in our community should give us more reason to listen and understand those with differing views. <br />Furthermore, we recognize that affirmative action and the college admissions process is complex and can be a <br />contentious issue. <br /> <br />Our concern as the LHRC, is not the differences of opinions, but the personal and misleading characterization of <br />entire groups of people of different racial backgrounds and lived experiences. As a Town Committee, our mission <br />is to build a more unified community that recognizes our commonalities and respects our differences. There are <br />times when we must confront statements and actions that conflict with these core values. In doing so, the <br />Committee works to foster civil public discourse. In this instance we felt it prudent to address the hurtful and <br />divisive nature of some comments. <br /> <br />Public platforms such as email lists and online comment sections are often a challenging space for fully <br />communicating one’s true thoughts and intent. While it is important to recognize that people have the right to <br />express their beliefs candidly, statements that unnecessarily pit one group against another are inherently divisive <br />and ultimately hurt the goal of learning and participation in community dialogue. For example, many comments <br />posted on the Lex Observer article questioned the legitimacy of Black and Latino students at Harvard and <br />perpetuated historical stereotypes that are harmful and not grounded in truth. There are ways to argue an <br />opposing view in a manner that does not make broad assumptions or use language that degrades others. Calling <br />our neighbors by name and attacking their perspective or lived experience is counterproductive to civil and public <br />discourse. <br /> <br />We believe our shared aspirations are more alike than no t. In Lexington, we have opportunities to address <br />educational inequities. For example, inequities in education exist across many identities, even in Lexington. <br />These are reported annually by the Lexington Public School District ( LPS Annual Report on Reducing Systematic <br />Barriers) and describe the large inequities in education that exist for Black students whether it be disparities in <br />suspension rates, access to advanced level coursework or inclusion in general education. We must acknowledge <br />that these inequities exist and that the data supports that they carry into high school and beyond.* These <br />disparities in education remain a challenge for schools across the nation, even for prominent public schools such <br />as Lexington. <br /> <br />As we continue the conversation, we hope future discourse will avoid the pitfalls of division and instead, lead to <br />greater curiosity and understanding of one another. <br /> <br />We appreciate any thoughts, comments, or disagreements you may have. This letter was approved by the LHRC <br />by a vote of 5-0 on July 19, 2023. The Lexington Human Rights Committee can be reached at <br />humanrightscmte@lexingtonma.gov and our public meetings are posted to the Town calendar. <br /> <br />*Are Achievement Gaps Related to Discipline Gaps? Evidence From National Data