Forums will share info, gather input on bias reporting system

Last year, the Select Board identified the need for deliberate action to combat bias and hate across Acton and committed to leading this effort in collaboration with town committees, community groups, and the public. As part of that effort, the board endorsed developing a bias and hate incident reporting system to better understand the frequency and nature of incidents and use that information to benefit the community.

A working group (WG) was appointed to recommend a safe, trusted system for self-reporting possible bias incidents to the town and to help ensure appropriate responses. Although the schools, Acton police, and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office receive various types of incident reports, the WG believed there were gaps and possible underreporting of bias incidents in the town. The WG presented its recommendations to the Select Board on June 22, and a recording of that meeting is available on the link to Minuteman Media on the town webpage.

Over the past 11 months, through bimonthly meetings, discussions, and briefings, the WG has engaged with members of the public. However, most residents have not yet had an opportunity to learn about the proposed system or offer suggestions before its planned implementation.

To provide that opportunity, two public forums are planned:

• Friday, September 4, 10 a.m. — League of Women Voters of Acton-Carlisle First Friday, Main Library
• Tuesday, September 8, 7 p.m. — Town House Hearing Room

The forums will provide an opportunity to discuss the system’s purpose, design, components, and intent — including what it is and what it is not — and to listen to and address residents’ questions, concerns, and suggestions.

Please plan to attend one of these forums. Your input will help us finalize the system and its components before implementation, anticipated in early 2027.

Paul Boehm

Ridgewood Road

Chair, Bias Reporting Working Group Member, Acton Select Board