Dixfield-based college administrators approve Civil Rights and Equality Committee for fall

By Last updated Jun 23, 2021

Jason Long, director of TW Kelly Dirigo Middle School in Dixfield, speaks at the board meeting at Dirigo High School in Dixfield on Tuesday. Marianne Hutchinson / Rumford Falls Times

DIXFIELD – Nine Regional School Unit 56 directors voted Tuesday to establish a Civil Rights and Equality Committee at the request of TW Kelly Dirigo Middle School Principal Jason Long.

Long said there was a need for an ad hoc committee “to examine and discuss issues, career development guidelines, activities and proposals related to civil rights and equality in RSU 56”. His request, he said, was on behalf of several groups that had come to him with their opinions on these issues. This includes community members, parents, students, and staff “in every imaginable part of the political and educational spectrum.

“I believe these issues will have increasing political impact and I think it is very important that we as a district develop a structure to discuss these issues,” said Long.

Carl Lueders and Natalie Sneller, both from Canton, were entitled to vote; Larry Whittington, Bruce Ross, and Barbara Chow, all from Dixfield; Joe Brissette and Angela Cushman, both from Peru; Brad Dyer and Don Whittemore, both from Carthage.

Absent were Angela Varnum and Samantha Noyes, both from Dixfield, and Konstantine Aslanidi from Peru.

The committee will include at least one member of the school board, advisors to the school’s civil rights teams, property managers, and up to six community or school stakeholders recommended by Superintendent Pam Doyen. Your first meeting will be in October.

Principals Larry Whittington and Bruce Ross, both from Dixfield, said they fully support the request.

“I think this committee is very important,” said Whittington. “I think it has to be (educated). We are here so that students can be experienced globally in life. “

Ross added, “We’re making progress and we’re proactive and everything, and that’s what this whole committee is about.”

Carthage director Brad Dyer said the establishment of such a committee appeared to be just an attempt to be politically correct.

“I’m confused what we’re trying to do,” he said. “I think it’s fair to say that children, and I’m talking about our students here, don’t have civil rights. You don’t.

“I’m not suggesting anyone here has any bad intentions (by forming this committee), but I honestly can’t see what you’re anticipating unless I’m missing something,” he added.

Director Joe Brissette of Peru said his concern was that the parents of students should be included and included on the committee. Sometimes people feel “aloof” or uncomfortable attending events with school board members, he said.