“Those words are important to this town.”
— John Hurd
UPDATED, Sept. 21: The Black Lives Matter banner hanging at Town Hall since June 8 will be removed after Sept. 30, and replaced with a statement affirming diversity and decrying hate near the entrance, as unanimously approved by the Select Board on Monday, Sept. 14.
This decision also allows for temporary exclusions by the town manager when other events require publicity.
The board will continue to work with Arlington’s Human Rights Commission and others to determine where the Black Lives Matter banner can still be displayed in town.
Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said, “We want to ensure racial equity in the town.”
Board members said they want to work to eliminate the roots of prejudice.
“This summer, after the death of George Floyd, we raised the Black Lives Matter banner in front of Town Hall,” said board Vice Chair Joseph Curro Jr. “Our sense of unity is fragile, and lots of work is still left to do. No one coming to Town Hall should have any question about the full breadth of the town’s commitment to eliminate prejudice, bigotry and intolerance.” Read his full statement >>
Board Chair John Hurd said, “Those words are important to this town. The banner was raised in response to a horrific event, the murder of George Floyd. It is a policy statement, affirming the town that institutional racism still exists on many levels, and that we affirm that black lives matter.”
Board member Steve DeCourcey said, “We need to keep talking and moving forward.”
Board member Len Diggins, who seconded Curro’s motion, suggested having a ceremony when taking down banner, to show it’s not being taken down out of fear.
Black Lives Matter vis-à-vis the police
The board also discussed the Black Lives Matter movement in regards to the police.
“This isn’t a zero-sum game. If you support Black Lives Matter, it doesn’t mean you don’t support our local police department,” DeCourcey said. “We need to recognize issues on both the local and national level. This isn’t the end of the discussion. We need to be willing to have these uncomfortable conversations and move forward.”
Hurd said, “Arlington’s police officers are a shining example of what it means to serve the community. When we raised the banner, it was not directed at the Arlington Police Department. Lt. Pedrini’s writings [racist remarks in a Massachusetts Police Association newsletter] don’t reflect the other officers. Many officers haven’t been treated with the respect they deserve. We still affirm the notion that black lives matter, and anything we can do to implement policies in town to fight that. But, at the same time, as a town, we need to show respect for police officers.”
Board member Diane Mahon said, “After Labor Day, I was dismayed at the current state of Arlington with misinformation, associating the organization Back the Blue with a hate group, and setting up untoward events. Until then, Arlington groups have been fairly emotional, but nothing beyond that. I’m upset about assaults on the police department.”
As to Chapdelaine’s statement issued before the Sept. 10 rallies, she said, “There should have been some fact-checking.” She added that she disagreed with the manager about how his messages were delivered.
As to the rallies themselves, she said that the Boston group across from Town Hall Plaza went too far and that several officers were attacked verbally. “I am extremely upset about the abuse from outside groups,” she said.
Mahon said she does not think Arlington police officers are supported as much as they should be.
She said that documented reports of bullying of officers’ children will be investigated.
The words from Lt. Pedrini published in October 2018 “do not apply to the whole” force.
Diggins said, “My goal is to maximize harmony on the board for this issue. The vast majority in town are allies to this cause. Unity is fleeting as best; I always expect there to be tension and disagreement.”
During the meeting’s citizens’ open forum session, Precinct 21 Town Meeting member Jordan Weinstein said, “As long as Pedrini remains on the force, and is protected by the board, he’s a cancer on the ability for all of us to stand shoulder to shoulder. It would have gone a long way to express unity if the town at least tried to fire him regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.”
The four cochairs of Arlington Fights Racism have note responded to a request for comment about the Select Board’s vote to replace the Black Lives Matter banner on Town Hall.
July 22, 2020: Black Lives Matter banner to remain at Towns of Hall
This news summary, by YourArlington freelance writer Susan Gilbert, was published Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. It was updated Sept. 21, to add a link to Curro’s statement.
