Acton should lead the way in fighting all discrimination

I am respectfully asking citizens of the town of Acton to look at the bigger picture.

In October alone, The Acton Bridge reported on

• feelings of exclusion among gender non-conforming students,
• the School Committee discounting concerns voiced by a member of color about racial slurs in school, and
• continuing concerns over increasing antisemitic actions.

This is not a problem with reporting. In fact, this is excellent reporting.

This is also a sign that Acton is reflecting, in its own way, what is happening nationally. In a growing anti-democratic climate, we are losing access to gender-affirming health care for trans kids, backtracking in decades of progress on racial equity, and squashing academic freedom to discuss the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Rather than seeing town leaders rely on previous — perhaps ineffective — communication guidelines, rather than listening but not hearing marginalized voices, I urge us all to listen to new voices, seek out new approaches, and act bravely. 

With its long and important role in our country’s history, don’t we want Acton at the forefront again, leading the way in addressing any and all instances of discrimination, against anyone?

Toby Smith Ropeik

Baker Avenue