At its September 16 meeting, members of the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (HRDEIC) welcomed new student member Sophie Chen and discussed planning for the October 4 Wayland Festival sponsored this year by the HRDEI committee, Arts Wayland and the Recreation Department.
Member Mary Ann Borkowski said that for the last two years, the HRDEIC held their own multicultural festival. This year, the expanded Fall Festival, which includes the Touch-a-Truck event and the Arts Expo, will feature art on display, performances and an old-fashioned parade down Main Street. The festival costs are being shared by the various groups; the HRDEIC authorized a $9,500 payment to Arts Wayland for expenses related to the festival including sound equipment, stages, and publicity, pending proper receipts.
The committee also agreed to draft guidelines for posting on their Facebook page. Members also celebrated the receipt of a hate crime prevention grant for local schools and planned to ask school leadership about the grant and possible collaboration.
Updates on the Community Conversation with Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan were provided, noting that there would be a hybrid meeting on November 10. The committee also discussed safety concerns about a lack of sidewalks along narrow roads, particularly for children and individuals with disabilities, and considered future agenda items to address these issues.
