A Proclamation Opposing Racism and Bullying in Watertown

WHEREAS: The motto of the Town of Watertown is In Pace Condita, Founded In Peace; and

WHEREAS: Since our founding in 1630, every generation has struggled to address in their own way what diversity
means, and how Watertown, with its diverse population, can live in peace and harmony; and Watertown has, over its 390
year history, strived to be a community where all are welcomed and accepted; and

WHEREAS, in 2016 Watertown Public Schools and the Watertown Police Department collaborated with the World In
Watertown, to invite Dr. Bernard LaFayette, an associate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, to provide training on the
“Kingian Principles of Nonviolent Conflict Reconciliation” and

WHEREAS: The Watertown Public Schools have embraced a variety of actions to combat racism and bullying,
including integrating Kingian initiatives into its curriculum, establishing an Anti-Bias Coalition, creating a Bullying
Prevention Plan Advisory Team, and reviewing current policies regarding bullying and harassment and how they are
enforced; and

WHEREAS: We have made efforts to address these issues, we have not done enough; and

WHEREAS: On November 12, 2020, we saw a news report concerning allegations of race-based bullying and
harassment of a Watertown Middle School student, which included defacing her home; and

WHEREAS: At a School Department Forum on December 3, 2020, attended by more than 150 people, we heard from
parents of children of color, who make up 35% of our student population, speak about the racial bullying and harassment
that their children are reporting is continuing to occur in our schools;and

WHEREAS: We have fallen short of our goal to create an environment where all students feel accepted and included;

WHEREAS: We, as residents of Watertown, are heartbroken to hear reports that children in our community are subject to
such treatment and as leaders of Watertown, we are obligated to take an active role in combating these issues.

THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED: That the Watertown Town Council opposes racism and bullying in any form,
and believes that all people who live, work, or visit Watertown deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and live in
peace.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED:
1. That at its November 24 meeting, the Town Council voted unanimously to explore issues of diversity, equity, and
inclusion within Watertown government and determine what steps need to be taken.
2. That the Town Council respects the authority of the School Committee over policy and management of the
Watertown Public Schools, and offers to work jointly with the School Committee to combat racism and bullying
in our community in a comprehensive manner.
3. That the Town Council asks each resident of Watertown to join the efforts against racism and bullying in our
community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the Town of Watertown to be
affixed on this 8th day of December 2020.
____________________________
Mark S. Sideris, Council President