To the Editor:

Over the past several years Williamstown has hung 43 American flags on poles lining Main Street from Memorial Day to Veterans day, about 170 days.

This year, to celebrate the diversity of our town, at a time when marginalized members of our community are under attack by the highest level of government, the Select Board opted to display progress pride flags, a symbol of diversity, on 10 of the poles in June.

Diversity is about all of us. It's about recognizing the value that each of us brings to the table. It is about acknowledging that some people are thriving while others are sidelined or worse. It is about uplifting and supporting those who have felt unwelcomed or uncomfortable.

Throughout history, our social and political networks have reinforced ways of thinking that, perhaps inadvertently, established who will be heard and seen. It is important for us to actively try to change those structures.

I knew when we made our decision that some community members would be unhappy. We would (and did) hear about government overreach, and slippery slopes, and lack of critical thinking, and traditions being cast aside. But we all know that making progress often requires pushing against the status quo, sometimes in uncomfortable ways. It requires us to look at things from a new angle, to walk in another's shoes.

I like to think that it is the role of government, even small town boards, to lead; to set the tone for our community discourse. It's not easy. And we may not get it right every time. But on this issue, when we have an opportunity to say no matter your gender, or race, or background, or sexual orientation, or country of birth you belong, the decision seems clear.

Stephanie Boyd
Boyd is a member of the Select Board
in Williamstown, Mass. 

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