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Statement on Black Lives Matter Vandalism

Updated: Aug 31, 2020




Dear Arlington friends and neighbors,


There have been at least 13 reports to the Arlington Human Rights Commission of malicious destruction, theft, and vandalization of Black Lives Matters banners and lawn signs around Arlington over the past several weeks, four of these at churches and schools.


The Commission condemns these hateful, racist and potentially criminal acts of vandalism. These banners and signs reflect the values of the Town of Arlington, and all who strive toward advancing racial equity and justice, and show support for our Black community.


Continued vandalism causes harm to people of color who reside, work, and pass through Arlington and their allies, who are showing support and educating others about anti-racist actions. We must persist and work to become a safer, more supportive, and inclusive town that recognizes the message that Black Lives Matters. The AHRC is deeply committed to working with all members of our community to enhance understanding and expand dialogue to help create a more welcoming Arlington.


Things you can do to help:


Contact the Arlington Police by calling 781-643-1212, or anonymously via Tip411, if you or anyone you know has information about these acts.


Join:

  • A new Working Group within the Commission to further address this issue or our Events Working Group to work on a webinar that will teach skills about how to have difficult conversations that will help people learn to talk about their differences, rather than take harmful action. You can sign up via our website here

  • The Arlington Human Rights Commission monthly meetings Arlington Human Rights Commission Calendar

  • The Arlington Human Rights Commission newsletter.

Learn about the Black Lives Matter movement by exploring resources on the Arlington Human Rights Commission website: Black Lives Matter Resources.


Contribute to the AHRC Gift Fund so that allies can support the purchase and replacement of signs/banners. For each sign taken, we will replace it with two more. Please make checks payable to the Arlington Human Rights Commission, and mail them to the attention of Jillian Harvey, ARCH 27 Maple Street, Arlington, MA 02476.


Order Black Lives Matters Signs on our website by clicking the Signs link above.


Arlington values equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to building a community where everyone is heard, respected, and protected.


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Phone: 781-316-3250

By Mail: 27 Maple Street

Arlington, MA 02476

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