Letter To The Editor: Exclusion Of Equity Group 'Disturbing'

Letter to the editor:

The recent exclusion of Fairfield’s Racial Equity and Justice Task Force from the police chief search is extremely disturbing. What is especially egregious is the attitude of town officials.

First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick issued the following statement: "This is a crucial department on which Fairfield's safety and security rely and should not be politicized. Suggesting that our Police Department or Commission has done anything but follow the law, is to me, inexcusable."

First Selectwoman Kupchick, it is fully within the realm of possibility that a hiring practice originating from the 1930s, when Jim Crow laws were legal, may need updating. This frame of mind and utter lack of transparency are contrary to progress.

While Ms. Kupchick may have established the Racial Equity and Justice Task Force, it seems her commitment to anti-racist work ended as soon as she found it inconvenient. This is how easily and insidiously institutional white supremacy is upheld. Anti-racist work must occur in every area of government, at all times. Nationally, we have a uniquely American problem of police terror, violence and extra judicious murder perpetrated primarily against our Black citizenry. The “safety and security of so many depend on the police department,” which is precisely why omitting anti-racist oversight during the hiring process of the chief is “inexcusable,” Ms. Kupchick.

Additionally, Police Commission Chair James Millington is quoted as saying: "Race was not a factor in choosing our candidate" and that the Police Commission is diverse with both Republicans and Democrats serving on it. Obviously, race was not a factor as there were no people of color involved in the entire process whatsoever! Was Mr. Millington being intentionally obtuse when he claimed the Police Commission is diverse? His comments would be laughable if this weren’t such a serious topic.

Not only does the Racial Equity and Justice Task Force need to be included fully in all facets of governing the Town of Fairfield; if Ms. Kupchick truly “stands by the mission” of the Task Force then the Town of Fairfield must hire a professional diversity, inclusion and equity firm to bring its policies and processes into this century and to avoid the legal action that will surely result in the continuance of antiquated policies. Creating racial equity in Fairfield is not "political," it's good governance.

Kate Rivera, M.A.

Social justice advocate and educator