HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-25-LHRC-min.pdf
Town of Lexington Human Rights Committee
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, 3/25/ 2026
LHRC MEMBERS PRESENT
Christina Lin, Chair (CL); Stephanie Hsu, Vice-Chair (SH); Rachel Levy (RL); Judy Zola (JZ); Hafsah Syed
(HS)
Liaisons in attendance - Mark Sandeen, Select Board (MS); Dana Bickleman, Director of Human
Services (DB); Juanica Buchanan, Human Services Outreach Coordinator (JB); Vannak Khin, Community
Coordinator (VK); Andrea So, Lexington Public Schools, Director of Elementary Curriculum (AS); Larry
Freeman, School Committee liaison (LF); Shaun Grady, Liaison to Commission on Disability (SG)
Guests: Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry board members - Carolyn Wortman, President, Lexington
Interfaith Food Pantry; Usha Thakrar
The minutes recorded by Hafsah Syed
1. Meeting called to order at 9:03pm. A quorum was confirmed.
2. Minutes for Approval - March 11, 2026 APPROVED
3. MLK 2027 Planning Update
a. Regarding program content, the committee discussed shifting the lens from oppression to
Black excellence — while keeping oppression as an important backdrop — so that the
program becomes a catalyst for action and service. Natural tie-ins to youth programming
were noted.
b. Key design principles include centering the experiences of Black community members,
amplifying voices from within and beyond Lexington, and drawing on the model of uplifting
and celebrating excellence as a call to collective action.
4. Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry (LFP)
Board members: Carolyn Wortman (President) and Usha Thakrar
LFP is facing a time-sensitive displacement issue while serving a significantly expanded
population in a challenging economic environment. Without intervention, critical food access
for vulnerable residents is at risk. Of note is that LFP is the only food pantry in the Town.
LFP has operated since 1990 out of the basement of the Church of Our Redeemer. Prior to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the pantry served approximately 60–70 families per week. During the
pandemic, demand increased significantly and has remained elevated at approximately 200
families in total.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
Urgent Facility Need - LFP hopes to secure a short-term interim location (1–2 years) to avoid
disruption of services. In the long-run, a stable and sustainable solution is needed with
preference to be housed in a municipal building.
Rising Food Insecurity - Food insecurity is primarily about access to healthy food, not just
affordability. Since the pandemic, food costs have risen significantly (~60% vs. ~20% general
inflation during the pandemic and ongoing global instability is expected to exacerbate the food
supply and pricing.
Financial Constraints - Annual operating budget is approximately $200,000 with 99% of the
budget allocated to food purchases and a small contribution for space rental.
The presentation prompted further discussion among committee members and liaisons on the
broader landscape of food insecurity in Lexington and the role the Town can play in supporting
a long-term solution. Members suggested that the need is more widespread than it appears, with
many residents making difficult financial tradeoffs. The Lexington Interfaith Food Pantry (LFP)
maintains strong ties with local schools and serves as a critical support resource. Human
Services is addressing related needs through multiple initiatives, including identifying pantry
space, expanding outreach for benefits and nutrition programs, and increasing community
access. Neighboring communities offer useful models: Arlington leased a dedicated space with
Town support and paid staff; Acton recently opened a new facility; Newton and Sudbury are
building spaces with municipally funded staff. Healthy Waltham represents a cautionary
example, currently operating out of a parking lot under difficult conditions.
This presentation was informational for the committee and the LFP plans to ask for Select Board
support for identifying short and long-term solutions for housing the program.
5. Discussion about LHRC presence on Discovery Day, Saturday May 23, 2026 - The
committee will determine if it is feasible to staff volunteers to represent LHRC at Discovery Day.
A member pointed out that the Immigration Working Group may wish to provide resources at
the event if LHRC hosts a table.
6. Committee and Liaison Updates
a. An upcoming program on adulting with neurodiversity after age 22 will feature the
Department of Developmental Services and the Association of Autism & Neurodiversity,
along with a panel of lived experiences.
b. LPS – Special Education Audit: (AS) liaison provided an update on a district-wide
review of supports and pathways for students, including an intervention roadmap to special
education. This review is independent of the recently announced staffing reductions,
though the timing has caused confusion in the community.
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420
Committee members RL & HS encouraged LPS to communicate proactively with the
parent community, recognizing that budget concerns and staffing reductions are being
experienced as deeply interconnected — particularly for families of students with special
needs, for whom the uncertainty feels especially acute. LF emphasized the importance
of getting ahead of rumors with timely, clear communication that distinguishes between
cuts driven by budgetary constraints and declining enrollment versus changes
stemming from the special education program review.
c. Boards and Committee appointments - MS shared that the Select Board is taking
steps to open up committee positions to new applicants when incumbent terms
conclude, rather than allowing incumbents to continue uncontested — with the goal of
fostering greater diversity in town governance. Some Town committees have ppl who
have served for 40+ years.
d. Updates from the Equity Team
VK is leading work on language access for the Town, with a focus on connecting with
community organizations. Members recommended connecting with a number of
organizations. LICA
Human services is building out a mental health calendar for April, and attending
different community meetings. Get in touch with the PPC group
The committee encouraged the equity team to share goals from their recent Select
Board presentation, with the hope of identifying opportunities for stronger alignment
and partnership between the two bodies. DB will follow up to schedule a discussion on
next steps at the first May meeting.
7. Reminder: about an upcoming Boston School Committee Meeting in April 2026
8. Next series of in-person meetings will be held in another location
a. Community Center in Room 139
b. Chief McLean coming May 27 (Daytime)
Meeting adjourned. 11:01
1625 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02420