Alphonse Wright, a Salem resident, asked the Town of Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee whether it had considered "writing a statement of support or logging the town council for an ordinance for Sanctuary City for transgender individuals," saying the transgender community faces heightened "hate and pressure." Wright identified himself as living at 23 Nursery Street in Salem and opened public comment with that question.

Committee members said they are drafting a more detailed public statement and discussed immediate community resources and outreach rather than a formal ordinance. Committee member Karen (last name not specified) said she and others are working on a draft "that would not only respond to the moment we're in as a nation and a state and as a town, but it would also set a vision for the community as a place for residents, employees and visitors to really be able to fully thrive." Karen said the statement would be shared initially "through media and town communications" and considered as a bridge for ongoing engagement.

Dr. Charles Desmond, a committee member who reported meeting with the superintendent of schools, said the committee has emphasized protecting students and ensuring schools meet the needs of "all students who come into our learning environments." He and others said district leaders, police and the school committee have discussed protocols to reduce trauma for families and students and to respond if enforcement activity occurs.

Paul Graham (committee member) said the district has consulted lawyers, the Essex County district attorney's office and local police; he added, "to this day ICE has not taken any child. They're not allowed by state law to walk into a school and remove the child." Graham said the district had issued statements and prepared staff to respond to concerns, though he and others acknowledged parents and students remain fearful.

Public commenters and several committee members suggested building a rapid response and information network if immigration enforcement activity occurs. Luis Velasquez (resident) and Louisita Pumphrey (resident and local businessperson) asked whether the town has a short-term plan and suggested a volunteer rapid-response roster (attorneys, translators, and family liaisons) and outreach to affected neighborhoods.

Local resource options were highlighted during public comment. Karen relayed that Lieutenant Rob Sullivan, the police liaison to the committee (on leave), notified the group about Danvers High School’s Prism group Trans Day of Visibility event scheduled a week from the meeting from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the North Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust Street; she also noted a transgender resource fair in Salem on the 29th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Amy Velasquez, who identified herself as a Holden Street resident, recommended a recorded Braselton Institute webinar on the impact of deportation on children and adults; she named Myra Alvarez as a presenter and said the Institute is currently housed at Boston Children’s Hospital.

A library staff member (name not specified) told the committee the Danvers library maintains a "Know Your Rights" collection on the second floor in four languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole) and that staff distribute red cards with immediate instructions people can carry. Committee members said Maple Street Church and other local partners are discussing hosting additional "know your rights" sessions.

Committee members emphasized the difference between drafting a supportive statement and enacting an ordinance. Karen and other members said the committee would continue to refine language and coordinate with police and schools; no formal vote or ordinance was proposed during the meeting. Paul Graham invited residents who wanted to help to join subgroups and volunteer for outreach.

The committee did not take formal, binding action at the meeting. Members said next steps include finalizing a draft statement, coordinating community legal and support resources, and continuing conversations with the school district and police liaison about practical protections and communications.