Town Administrator Chas Carey wishes to invite members of the community to an informational webinar to learn more about the Fair Housing Act and its impacts on how Town Meeting’s decisions may impact residents’ civil rights.
When Town Meetings adopt zoning and bylaw changes, these amendments can have a consequential impact on residents’ civil rights derived from federal and state laws, such as the Fair Housing Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act, among others.
Each new zoning or town bylaw is reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office to determine whether the proposed amendments are consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth.
The Municipal Law Unit conducts these reviews but does not take policy considerations into account. Meanwhile, the Civil Rights Division enforces federal and state civil rights laws.
This webinar will shed light on the symbiotic relationship between municipal bylaws and civil rights endowed to all residents at the state and federal levels.
The webinar will be presented by members of the Civil Rights Division of the state Attorney General’s Office and hosted by the Office of Town Counsel.
It will take place on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 07:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Registration is required. Those interested may sign up here. Upon registration, a confirmation e-mail with information about joining the meeting will be sent.
