Wayland HRDEIC approves nearly $17,000 in program spending under new town billing rules

WAYLAND — April 16, 2024 — Wayland's diversity committee approves nearly $17,000 in program spending under new town billing rules. The Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, chaired by Karen Blumenfeld with Yawu Tan acting as chair for the month, unanimously authorized up to $9,999 to Dr. Eden-Renee Hayes for managing the town's community equity assessment, a separate $2,500 for her May 15 anti-bias training with Wayland police, and $2,300 to Dr. Lisa Fontes for a January coercive-control workshop. Members also approved up to $1,750 to Sudbury Farms and $250 in reimbursement to Marianne Borkowski for the April 28 SPIRIT workshop, which has drawn 40 pre-registrations. Town staffer John told the committee the new process exists because past committees "got out over their skis." Maya Raj volunteered as treasurer. The June 2 multicultural festival, backed by $12,000 in town funding for performers, will run 1 to 5 p.m. at the high school field house.