Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Agendas & Minutes
Agendas and Packets are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

Select Board’s Charge to the DEI Committee

Established Fall 2020

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will serve as an advisory committee to the Town of Westford and whose duties shall be to provide advice and recommendations to the Select Board and School Committee.

The Committee will identify needs around fostering acceptance and valuing diversity; and discourage prejudice and discrimination against any person, group, or any other status protected by law on account of race, creed, color, income, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability.

The Committee will review Town and school policies and procedures and make recommendations to ensure that they advance equity and diversity where the committee has identified deficiencies.

The Committee will first report to the Select Board and School Committee on the progress of its work by the end of 2020.

Vision Statement

Approved by the DEI Committee on 7/31/24; Approved by Select Board on 9/10/24; Approved by the School Committee on 9/30/24

Our vision for Westford is a town that embraces, celebrates, and draws strength from our growing diversity; is an engaged and inclusive community, boasting a town government whose practices and actions display a consistent commitment to equity; and is known by current and future generations as a welcoming place that fosters an abiding sense of belonging.

Mission Statement

Approved by the DEI Committee on 8/28/24; Approved by Select Board on 9/10/24; Approved by the School Committee on 9/30/24

The Westford DEI Committee -- Creating a community where all generations thrive and connect.

The DEI Committee supports the town’s efforts to recognize diversity, address bias, foster inclusion, and ensure human and civil rights. We identify barriers to participation and inclusion, and provide recommendations and guidance on programs, policies, partnerships and ideas that remove those barriers. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and opportunity for every community member.


Committee Member Selection Criteria:

Extensive exposure and/or experience with at least one of the following: is a member of a community where issues of diversity, equity and inclusion exist, has been trained in the dynamics of diversity and how organizations have brought effective and positive change, and/or is professionally involved with human resources. These are not meant to be all inclusive but represent the kinds of exposures being sought.

Skills beneficial to performing the work of the Committee would include demographic analysis, finance/accounting, law, project management, social services/sciences, survey design and analysis.