To the editor:

The recent hate crime that occurred in our town has put Barrington in a negative spotlight. This follows many past instances of bias, hatred, and discrimination which have gone on without public awareness. Many residents now feel a sense of urgency to address racism and the lack of equity and inclusion for many groups here in our town. To that end, we have formed Barrington Collective for Equity and Inclusion (BCEI). Our group is a way for Barrington residents to come together in the effort to enact and implement long lasting and effective changes that will make Barrington a place where people of all backgrounds and identities are supported and thriving.

We have already begun to work in coalition with existing groups statewide and with town officials in Barrington. We offer a warm invitation to all residents who want to participate in helping us achieve our goals. There are so many ways in which each individual can make a difference. Our group wishes to utilize the resources Barrington has to offer and to tap into the good intentions of its residents.

We are inspired by and driven by those who came before us on this road to justice. Many of us have felt hopeless and ineffectual in the past. Many residents of Barrington have asked, “What can I do to help?” Our group is here to help spark inspiration and support those who are willing to follow civil rights leader John Lewis’s wise words: “This is not a time for despair. This is a time for action.”  Let us all come together, in unity, love, and courage to improve our town.

Here are a few of the concrete goals our group will focus on:

• Declare racism a public health emergency in Barrington. Use public health funds allocated to this emergency towards anti-bias education and inclusion efforts.

• Offer annual anti-racism training to town officials, employees, and residents as well as BPS teachers, staff and students.

• Create a transparent, accessible, and accurate system for documenting and tracking incidents of discrimination and oppression that occur in our town and our schools.

• Create and support events displaying the rich heritage of cultures underrepresented in Barrington.  These events would be open to all residents and visitors.

To our town leadership, our faith leaders, our valued educators and all our Barrington neighbors:  We look forward to working together to make Barrington a place where everyone is valued and where everyone contributes to a community of belonging.

Residents interested in joining our group should contact BarringtonCEI@gmail.com

Signed,

Dale Azevedo

Barrington

Candace Nadine Breen

Barrington

Jacob Brier

Barrington

Kathleen Brueckner

Barrington

Jennifer Castel

Barrington

Jennifer Charleson

Barrington

Annelise Conway

Barrington

Ndeye Diallo

Barrington

Amy Feucht Hogarth

Barrington

Mohamed J Freij PE,PLS

Barrington

Waffa Freij

Barrington

Jessica Garcia

Barrington

Emma Hogarth

Barrington

Sara Jordeno

Barrington

Lisa Lowenstein

Barrington

Dr. Carla Martin

Barrington

Maura McCrann

Barrington

Kelvin Misiurski

Barrington

Pamela Richardson Poniatowski

Barrington

Katherine Quinn

Barrington

Helen Schall

Barrington

Amy Segal

Barrington

Mariana R. Silva-Buck

Barrington

Louise Sloan

Barrington

Suzette Stephens

Barrington

Dr. Audrey Tyrka

Barrington

Jack Van Leer

Barrington

Maria Elena Wah-Fitta

Barrington

Debbie Weinstein

Barrington