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Mansfield DEI committee launches communications equity audit, asks departments for materials by Sept. 30
Summary
The Mansfield Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee opened a community equity audit of town communications, debated inclusive terminology for neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ references, and asked departments to submit outreach examples by Sept. 30 for review at an Oct. 1 meeting.
Mansfield’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee opened a community equity audit of the town’s communications practices at a meeting on Aug. 20, saying the review will identify disparities in outreach and recommend more inclusive language and procedures. Committee Chair Kevin Dumas called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in Town Hall’s Room 2 A/B and outlined the audit’s objectives, which include identifying stakeholder experiences and ensuring communications comply with anti‑discrimination laws.
The committee approved minutes from Feb. 22, 2024 by a recorded vote of 10–0 before devoting the session to the audit and language guidance. “People are trying to be respectful but might not always know the right terminology to use,” Chair Kevin Dumas said, framing the audit as both diagnostic and educational.
Members focused on specific terminology and identity‑language choices. Jenifer Sellon said neurodivergent people do not consider themselves to be disabled and urged the committee to avoid grouping identities in ways individuals find objectionable. Beth Collins recommended identity‑first phrasing — for example, using “autistic student” rather than “student with autism.” The group also agreed that “LGBTQ+” should replace the historically used terms “gay/lesbian” in town materials.
Jocelyn LeMaire, Director of Human Resources, outlined how departments currently communicate with residents, noting Human Resources relies on email and social media; the committee flagged that different departments use varied channels and that outreach and crisis communications will need tailored attention. “Seeing these examples should help the committee members to organize their thoughts and help to prepare for the items they may want to audit,” LeMaire said.
Teresa Murphy noted the School Department previously worked with Mass Insight on a strategic plan and equity audit and cautioned that audit costs have risen; she said the schools’ early engagement cost about $100,000, and similar projects today commonly exceed $150,000. The committee discussed the overlap between school and municipal communications and the need to coordinate efforts.
As a next step, LeMaire will send a memo to department heads explaining the DEI committee’s goals and requesting examples of department communications. Departments were asked to return materials by Sept. 30 so the committee can assemble binders for review at a future meeting. The committee set its next meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which carried; the session adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
