After over 6 yrs on the Malden Disability Commission and serving as itâs first chair, I attended my last meeting tonight. This was a very difficult decision as my heart and soul is in this work. Below is the statement I read during the end of our meeting. On the plus side, I now have more capacity for other advocacy work!
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After much thought and deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision to resign from the Malden Disability Commission. This choice was not made lightly. I have always prided myself on my professionalism, my ability to separate personal matters from professional responsibilities, and my commitment to working alongside people from all backgrounds and perspectivesâespecially when it comes to the vital mission of serving and uplifting our disabled neighbors.
However, there are moments when a line is crossedâwhen basic decency is abandoned, and trust is irreparably broken. I have weighed the pros and cons, searching for a reason to stay, but the truth is clear: I cannot, in good conscience, continue working with individuals who have signed their names in support of those who dehumanize the people I call family and engage in actions I will not dignify with even a mention. I have always strived to be understanding and to see the good in people. I have never been one to take offense easily, but this is not a mere disagreement or difference of opinion among neighborsâthis is abuse, and I will not subject myself to it. Nor will I enable those who choose to perpetuate such acts without remorse.
There is no place for such hatred in my life. I will not compromise my morals or my principles. And let me be clear: my resignation does not mark the end of my advocacy or my support for the Commissioners who choose to continue our relationship. In fact, I am certain that outside of this commission, I will be able to do even more for the disabled communityâwithout the burden of working alongside those who condone or enable this kind of behavior.
To my fellow commissioners who have upheld integrity, decency, and the true spirit of service, I regret that you have been exposed to this toxicity as well. I sincerely appreciate the countless hours you have dedicated to this work, and I hope we will continue to collaborate in other ways. I wish you all success moving forward. Know that I am here if you ever need anything.
I have been reminded in the most painful way that life is too short to allow negativity and hatred to take root. I refuse to carry this burden any longer. Instead, I choose to walk away, to cut out the toxicity, and to continue my community advocacy on my own termsâwith dignity, purpose, and without compromise.
Thank you very much.