Smithfield Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force 

On April 20, 2021 the Smithfield Town Council created the Smithfield Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force with a vision of a dynamic community embracing its future while respecting its past with core values of civility, sustainability, diversity, inclusivity through full participation, partnership, and resiliency as a guide to approaching the work of the Town.

• Approved Resolution creating the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force (4/20/21)

Goals of the Smithfield Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force are as follows:

1. Engage with Smithfield residents, interest groups, and businesses to seek feedback on their experiences that can improve life in our community.
2. Identify strategies that help the Town to be more inclusive in engaging our residents and businesses that will better promote unity, equality and understanding in Smithfield
3. Work with a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant to develop a comprehensive plan and long-term vision of diversity, equity and inclusion goals for the community. The plan should include methods of both short- and long-term monitoring and evaluation that consider several areas, including but not limited to policies and procedures, community partnership engagement and ongoing education.
4. Present recommendation to the Smithfield Town Council on how to achieve the goals above.
5. Subcommittees may be formed to focus on issues or subjects meriting more detailed discussion.

Task Force Information

Committee Members

T Michael Lawton (Town Council Member)

Benjamin Caisse (School Committee Member)

Randy R. Rossi (Town Manager)

Judith Paolucci (Superintendent of Schools)

Sara Monaco (Assistant Superintendent of Schools)

Richard St.Sauveur (Police Chief)

Robert Caine (Director of Park & Recreation)

John Burns (Vice-Principal Gallagher Middle School)

Dorothy Chin Gerding (Town Resident)

Stan Dorsey (Town Resident)

Rob Mecunas (Town Resident)

Town Meetings – 2021-02-17 Town Forum on Race and Equality on Vimeo vimeopro.com The Smithfield Town Council Invites the Community to a Virtual Town Forum on Race and Equality in Smithfield Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM. Including leaders…

Available Resources 

• Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias
  • Report Concerns: Callout Prejudice or by phone 401-648-9498 (10am-6pm)
• YMCA of Greater Providence
  • Kobi Dennis contact at Kdennis@gpymca.org
• YWCA Rhode Island
  • Aimee Davidson: aimee@ywcari.org
• Anti-Defamation League of New England
  • Database of Hate Symbols
  • Report incidents of hate and bias online
• Dante Tavolaro – St. Thomas Church (email)

• Other Resources
  • Guide for School Administrators when responding to Bias Incidents
  • Learning for Justice
  • ZinnedProject
  • American Indian Lesson Resources