Human Rights Commission considers updating city’s racial and ethnic profile

By Barbara Taormina

Revere’s Human Rights Commission is looking at the possibility of diversifying demographic considerations to develop a more accurate account of Revere’s racial and ethnic profile. Collecting more demographic data will allow city officials to see which communities and populations within the city are being underserved and not receiving an equitable share of resources.

“It would allow us to see how many cultures are being overlooked,” said Commission Chairwoman Chaimaa Hossaini, who added that the city may learn that it is more diverse than the often quoted 60 percent people of color statistic. Hossaini pointed to the city’s Arab and North African communities that are typically counted as white but are not receiving the same resources as white residents.

Resident Albert Tecci said he appreciated the idea and the goal but questioned how the city would collect that information. Commission members also questioned the process of collecting more personal data from residents.

But Commissioner Kourou Pich suggested the Human Rights Commission could have a conversation with the community about how they share details about race, ethnicity and sexuality. “I think this is a very important conversation to have because this information can allow us to see who has the most access and the least access to resources and promote justice so that everyone can have access,” said Pich.

Hossaini said she is also interested in more granular data, such as identifying which people are Irish or Italian within the category of white residents.

The commission discussed various methods and problems with collecting detailed demographic data. It was suggested that some information could be captured on applications for city permits. But Commissioner/Executive Director Steven Morabito, the director of Revere’s Department of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said it is illegal to ask for demographic information on municipal permit applications. There is the risk that it could open the door to legal challenges in cases when permits are denied. But Commissioner Lourenço Garcia said Boston does ask questions to ensure that city services are equitable.

The commission also discussed strategies to magnify their presence and work in the city. They intend to pursue a Cultural Council grant that would fund a Human Rights Commission event that would give residents more information and access to the commission. They also hope to collaborate with the School Department on an event that would allow them to gather more information and feedback from the community.