Brighton announces community-based anti-discrimination plan, reaffirms commitment

BRIGHTON, N.Y. (WHEC)— The Town of Brighton Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and anti-discrimination efforts as it announced a new community-based plan.

Supervisor Bill Moehle made the announcement in a joint news conference with members of the town’s board, and school leaders like Superintendent Kevin McGowan. Moehle says part of the process will include hiring a Director of Diversity and Inclusion next year. He stressed the ongoing effort to get input from the community.

According to Moehle, Brighton would be the first town in upstate New York to establish such a plan.

Brighton Central School District superintendent Dr. Kevin McGown says they will be intentionally inclusive in their practices and policies when it comes to education. Working to address biases, anti-semitism and race. @news10nbc

— Raven Tiara Brown (@WHEC_RBrown) August 25, 2021

BCSD consultant Rev. Dr. Marlowe Washington says they have worked hard to bring families together. “This town is committed to doing this. It does commit to action and it speaks loud and clear.” @news10nbc

— Raven Tiara Brown (@WHEC_RBrown) August 25, 2021

"I want to be very clear today that bias, hate, discrimination, in whatever form, are an affront to our shared community values and will not be tolerated," Moehle said.

McGowan added the district will be intentionally inclusive in its educational practices and policies. All community leaders in attendance signed the pledge.