Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Wellesley 

Racial equity:   the societal condition when racial identity cannot be used to predict individual or group outcomes (e.g. wealth, income, employment, criminal justice, housing, health care, education) and outcomes for all groups are improved. This includes elimination of policies, practices, attitudes, and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes by race or that fail to eliminate them. 

Wellesley is a community that highly values diversity, human dignity, and respect for all individuals. Our community, however, like so many others across the country, continues to experience incidents of discrimination, bias, injustice, and inequity. 

Read the Wellesley Select Board statements supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for all in our community. 

DEI Task Force

To demonstrate Wellesley’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and help establish Wellesley as a more welcoming and inclusive town for all individuals, the Select Board office has created the Wellesley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative. The goal of this initiative is to chart a path for the deliberate work needed to be more inclusive and equitable as we make decisions and interact as a community.

Recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of these two concepts, a new DEI Task Force will shape this work. Comprised of Town officials, thought leaders, faith leaders, individuals with marginalized identities, and others, this group will use the definition of racial equity to guide their efforts, foster understanding, and develop action steps for Wellesley. 

Participants on the Wellesley DEI Task Force will work on the following tasks in Phase I:

  • Create a vision statement for racial equity in Wellesley
  • Develop a mission statement for this work 
  • Develop and identify a framework or work plan that supports the goal of racial equity
  • Establish community guiding principles and intentional practices to support anti-bias, nondiscriminatory and anti-racist attitudes and behaviors

Be part of the task force. To indicate your interest in serving on this voluntary task force, please complete the form below and return it by email to dei@wellesleyma.gov or deliver it to the Select Board office, Wellesley Town Hall, 3rd Floor. The deadline to return forms is Monday, September 13, 2021.

Contact us!  

Email dei@wellesleyma.gov with other questions or to learn more.