Yesterday, Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock denied the Town of Framingham’s motion to dismiss a 2007 lawsuit filed by the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) against some Town Officials and individual defendants for discrimination. The courts 100 page "Summary Judgment" provides us with clarity and direction moving forward.
Bringing this case to trial will be costly in both the financial and community sense. Every effort must be made to come to a negotiated settlement that will bring the community together rather than continue to polarize it.
In the past and to their credit SMOC has shown a willingness to negotiate with or without legal counsel present. We urge them to continue to show this willingness in the weeks ahead. We also respectfully urge Town Officials to show the same willingness for the good of the Community.
United Way will continue to work behind the scenes to encourage a negotiated and expedient end to this unfortunate chapter in our Town’s recent history. SMOC is a trusted community partner of United Way of Tri-County.
Paul L. Mina
President & Chief Professional Officer
