Civil Rights Committee steps towards permanency

Updated on April 13, 2021

On June 20, 2020, the Town Council voted to approve the formation of a Civil Rights Committee to address issues related to racism and inequality [Article].  The ad hoc committee, consisting of seven citizens, one Cape Elizabeth High School student, and Town Councilor Valerie Deveraux serving as a non-voting ex-officio member, was charged with drafting a recommendation for a standing committee, assessing immediate actions, and advising the Town Council on issues of racism and inequality in Cape Elizabeth by no later than December 2021.  After being tabled at the March 8 Town Council Meeting, the Civil Rights Committee presented their research and recommendations to the council during the April 12 Town Council Meeting.  

The Civil Rights Committee proposed that the committee be made a standing committee and be renamed as the Cape Elizabeth Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.   The purpose of the standing committee would be to serve as a conduit for celebrating and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Town by: promoting education and training; increasing engagement; and reviewing Town policies and providing recommendations where needed.  Since their first meeting on September 30, 2020, the Civil Rights Committee has met 14 times -- thereby expediting their charge by nearly nine months.

Keyla Alston-Griffin and Melanie Thomas are co-Chairs of the Civil Rights Committee.  Other members include: Dheeraj Khare, Kimberly Monaghan, Jim Sparks, Rafina Young, and Miriam Esch Levanos as the student-representative non-voting member.  In addition to Deveraux, Rachel Davis, Director of the Thomas Memorial Library, also participates in the committee meetings as Secretary and staff support.




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