Wayland HRDEI committee approves $9,500 to Arts Wayland after debate over oversight

WAYLAND — September 16, 2025 — Wayland HRDEI committee approves $9,500 to Arts Wayland for Oct. 4 festival after oversight dispute. The Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee voted 7-0 Tuesday to authorize up to $9,500 for sound, stage, tent, performer and publicity costs at the consolidated Wayland Festival, which merges the former multicultural event with Recreation's Touch-a-Truck and an Arts Wayland expo. Member Yawu, objecting that the committee had not seen a line-item budget, moved to cut the payment to $4,500; that amendment failed 1-5-2. "We have no input on how the money is spent," Yawu said. The final motion, which still requires Select Board approval, was amended to require Arts Wayland to document expenditures after the festival. Vice Chair Heather Pino cited quotes of roughly $4,000 for tents and $5,000 for staging and sound. The committee also unanimously accepted its 2025 annual town report and approved distribution of a "Know Your Rights" flyer prepared by member Asma Khan.