Working to dismantle the structures that have perpetuated systemic racism in our communities and replacing them with systems that encourage and sustain diversity and equity is hard and emotional work. Anti-racism work is about being human and doing what’s right for all humans, and emotion is ultimately what makes us human. Thus, I disagree that emotion should not be involved when making decisions for the town. Indeed, if we don’t feel emotion about social and racial justice issues, then we are not doing the work required to truly make positive change. I therefore ask the Select Board to embrace the emotion inherent in this issue, stand up for what is right for the Hopkinton community, and support the MAPC pledge.

— Carly Grant, Hopkinton

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