Chelsea Human Rights Commission survey results compiled, more expected

By Lisa Carolin

The three leading topics that the Chelsea Human Rights Commission should focus on are community diversity, bullying, and racism.

That’s according to the results of the HRC’s survey, which were shared at the Commission’s Oct. 3 meeting. Results are still coming in because Chelsea High School was given an extension until Oct.15.

The Commission will compile a final report after that.

In the meantime, HRC member Susan Morrel-Samuels put together a spreadsheet of results. She said the majority of comments had to do with the community climate including recognition of the signs and flags on people’s yards, comments that Chelsea isn’t doing much when it comes to human rights, as well as comments that nothing needs to be done.

There were positive comments about the police, churches, library programs, and what nonprofits are doing.

What could Chelsea do better? The survey results indicate more diversity, doing more for people with disabilities, providing more affordable housing, and doing more to raise awareness of human rights issues.

Thirty percent of those who responded said they’d been involved in activities that focus on human rights.

The surveys are confidential, and the results are anonymous. The survey was filled out by both Chelsea residents and non-residents and there was a separate survey for organizations.

After all the results are shared, the HRC will prepare a presentation for Chelsea City Council. HRC members need to determine how to use the information from the survey.

The next HRC meeting will be on Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers.