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?

How You Can Help ?

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 1283City of Newburyport

Commission for Diversity and Tolerance
Committed to creating a caring community that welcomes and respects differences