Anti-Bias Task Force
MISSION STATEMENT
The Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as it addresses intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination.
Who we are and what we do:
We are a non-partisan group formed by the Town of Huntington and made up of concerned religious organization leaders, education leaders, law enforcement, and community representatives. Our work is in conjunction with the Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force.
The Task Force strives to:
Advocate, Respond, and Educate.
Stand up against bias towards persons because of their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, class, religion, religious practice, age, disability (physical or mental), gender or sexual orientation.
Foster a network of local educational and religious leaders, government and law enforcement agencies, and community representatives to develop partnerships for a more inclusive community.
Work with and through appropriate Town channels to develop and support educational programs aimed at eliminating bias and building greater awareness, understanding, and respect.
Impartially facilitate discussions between parties experiencing bias.
Identify resources in the community that will help achieve these objectives.
The responsibility of the Anti-Bias Task Force shall include, but is not limited to:
Bringing together parties for dialogue in an impartial and objective manner.
Developing a network of local clergy, community individuals, local government and law enforcement to encourage responsible leadership, working in partnership with the Task Force.
Organizing and supporting education programs to embrace understanding, respect, acceptance and impartiality while encouraging honest dialogue.
Working with appropriate town and regional groups to increase a welcoming culture and resolve concerns about bias while building understanding and inclusion.
Developing a significant and sufficient public presence for individuals and local groups within the Town of Huntington to better understand and make available the services and resources of the Anti-Bias Task Force
The five (5) liaisons appointed by each member of the Town Board are responsible for appointing additional members representing stakeholders across the Huntington community. Each liaison's term coincides with the sponsoring Town Board member. Amended in 2017 and 2018 to allow key constituent groups to identify a representative to work cooperatively as the TOH Anti-Bias Task Force.
Town Board Liaisons |
Appointed By |
Term Expires |
Helen Boxwill, Chair |
Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth |
12/31/2025 |
Norman Gomez-Vasquez, Co-Chair |
Councilman Salvatore Ferro |
12/31/2025 |
Stephen Nowicki |
Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo |
12/31/2025 |
Victoria Mayes |
Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci |
12/31/2027 |
Bruce Siegel |
Councilwoman Theresa Mari |
12/31/2027
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How to Report Suspected Instances of Bias
Report instances of suspected bias to:
Town of Huntington Anti-Bias Task Force
Department of Human Services (Room 203)
Attn: Kevin Thorbourne, Director
423 Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
Phone: 631-351-3304
E-mail: antibias@huntingtonny.gov
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