Who Are We?

We are a city-appointed commission , which works to promote and support a sense of welcome and inclusion for all residents within greater Newburyport.

We are students, school administrators, police, religious leaders, social service professionals and representatives from various businesses and organizations.

We collaborate with other groups and organizations to promote our mission.

Our History

In 2005, the City of Newburyport established a municipal board to be known as the Commission for Diversity and Tolerance. The Commission cannot exceed nine members, who serve for a three-year term. Members are appointed by the Mayor, subject to confirmation by the City Council. Each Commission member must live in Newburyport.

Members are selected to represent various fields including, but not limited to education, religion, law enforcement, social services, industry, commerce and labor.

What Do We Do?

• Cooperate with racial, religious, ethnic, civic, fraternal, benevolent, and private and public agencies in eliminating discrimination and intolerance;
• Provide resources and referral information to any person or group seeking support or information about discriminatory acts;
• Issue publications and pronouncements and confer prizes and awards to promote goodwill and to minimize or eliminate discrimination and intolerance;
• Award mini-grants to support area organizations in their projects to support tolerance;
• Support municipal departments and agencies in their response to discriminatory or intolerant acts;
• Organize the annual Peace Month (May), a series of lectures, presentations, exhibits and awards to heighten awareness of Newburyport as a diverse and tolerant community.

How You Can Help ?

• Tell us about any anti-bias or peace programs at your organization
• Apply to our mini-grant RFP
• Make a donation to help support our city-wide programs
• Sponsor a program
• Attend our open-forum meetings
• Suggest an activity for Peace Month
• Nominate someone for the Annual Peace Awards
• Attend the Peace Month events
• Read our e-newsletters

Our Mission

It is the policy of the City of Newburyport to promote and support a sense of welcome, inclusion and worth for all and the elimination of prejudice, intolerance, discrimination, and acts of hate in our community.

Commission Members

Jan DeSantis, Co Chair
Beth Horne, Co-Chair
Art Currier
Donna Devlin
Margot Petler
Mary Ryan
Kathleen Shaw
Sam Szabo
Ross Varney
Kim Wilkinson

Liaisons
Lois Honneger, Mayor’s Office
Dr. Kevin Lyons, Schools
Lt. Rick Siemasko, Police

Contact Us

To report a hate incident:
Call Police, Use 911 for Emergency

Info on the Commission:
Beth Horne
978-465-1871

School involvement/ info:
Dr. Kevin Lyons
978-465-4456

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 1283
Newburyport, MA 01950