The Arlington School Committee is seeking applicants for appointment to the Arlington Human Rights Commission to fill an unexpired term for two years, expiring December 31, 2026.
The Arlington Human Rights Commission (AHRC) was created by a vote of Town Meeting in 1993. The bylaw established the commission “to advance issues related to the fair and equitable treatment of individuals, and to create a mechanism for addressing complaints arising out of these issues,” by:
- Improving the life of the Town by developing on its own and enlisting community based groups in educational programs and campaigns to increase mutual respect, harmonious intergroup relations and the peaceful enjoyment of life in our community by all
- Working with Town Government, the School Department, Town Commissions and Boards to increase diversity in the Town and among those employed by the Town, as well as awareness and sensitivity to those human and civil rights issues which may arise within our Town;
- Responding to complaints by persons in the Town who believe that their human or civil rights, as defined in this Bylaw or in state or federal law, have been violated in the Town;
- Initiating investigations into circumstances which appear to the Commission to be the result of unlawful discrimination against any person(s) in the Town.
The Arlington School Committee is the appointing authority for five of the thirteen members of the Arlington Human Rights Commission. The bylaw requires appointing authorities to publicly solicit Arlington residents prior to making appointments, and to make appointments that are “representative of the diversity of the Town.”
According to the Commission, “no formal experience working in human rights work is required to serve as an AHRC Commissioner, other than a ‘can-do’ attitude and a desire to help make Arlington a safe and welcoming community for all who live, learn, work, visit, or pass through our town.” The Arlington School Committee will give preference to candidates with a connection to the Arlington Public Schools, with experience in PK-12 education, and a commitment to working with the school department in order to achieve the goals of the AHRC.
According to the Commission, the time commitment of each Commissioner may vary from month to month, but Commissioners can expect to invest approximately 6-12 hours each month, in addition to attending the monthly meeting.
This time commitment reflects the following:
- Required regular attendance at the monthly meetings for the full two hours to maintain a quorum and facilitate voting. These meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of every month from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Willingness to read all distributed materials prior to the meeting and to come to meetings prepared for discussions and decision-making.
- Active service on two working groups of the AHRC's four working groups (Arlington Public Schools, Communications, Event Planning, and Housing). These working groups typically meet monthly.
- Service once a year for a month at a time as the "Commissioner on Duty,” which involves responding in a timely manner to reports of hate crimes or other incidents which are filed with the AHRC or are otherwise brought to the AHRC's attention.
- Attendance several times a year at programs and events presented or sponsored by the AHRC relating to human rights generally or to the mission of the AHRC specifically.
- Availability and willingness to plan, facilitate, or otherwise participate in AHRC forums designed to meet the needs of the Town's residents on issues for which the AHRC has direct or indirect responsibilities.
- Attendance at the annual AHRC retreat for governance and planning purposes.
- Willingness to draft statements and other documents needed to fulfill the mission of the AHRC.
Interested applicants should send a statement of interest and a resume to Elizabeth Diggins, Administrative Assistant to the Arlington School Committee, 14 Mill Brook Drive, Arlington MA 02476 • email [email protected]
The Arlington School Committee will begin to screen applications no earlier than 4:00 p.m. January 9, 2025, and applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled. Unless otherwise requested, applications from candidates not selected for this vacancy will be retained for one year and will be considered for any future openings that may occur.
Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.