We, Newtown Allies For Change, pledge to support and uplift the people of color in Newtown through our words and actions. We pledge to amplify their voices and join them to stop systemic racism. We pledge to condemn hate speech when we hear or read it. We will call out discrimination and microaggressions when we see it. We pledge to work with our elected officials, our school administration, and our police department to foster a safe and kind community for all. We are committed to finding and promoting equitable solutions that build safe and inclusive communities.

We, Newtown Allies For Change, request that the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council establish a Committee on Diversity & Equity in Newtown to advocate and promote diversity and equal opportunity. We need a committee that can raise public awareness through inter-municipal programs, activities, and training to advocate for changes to town ordinances and policies.

We, Newtown Allies For Change, ask the Superintendent and Board of Education to implement changes to our education curriculum. Change must be made in order to embrace racial diversity and address implicit bias in our students. Students of color in Newtown schools need counselors and teachers who are trained on mental health issues associated with race and diversity. We need to celebrate diversity, e.g. Black History Month and Hispanic History Month. We need an academic environment that promotes safety, inclusivity, and support for our students of color. We need to establish a clear protocol that records incidents of racism occurring within the schools, keeping confidentiality and student safety a priority. The frequency of these complaints should be shared with the public annually. Teachers of color would be a welcome addition to Newtown schools.

We, Newtown Allies For Change, call on the elected officials that represent our community on the State and Federal level to support initiatives that stop over-policing our neighborhoods and instead invest in community-based solutions. We urge them to use data-driven ideas to develop a modern police force that helps and supports communities. We call on them to champion the reallocation of resources away from militarization and into services to help people in need.

These measures must be taken to address Newtown’s past and safeguard its future.