While select initiatives toward enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have been happening for years across Newtown, local energy and participation to that end has taken on more urgency of late.

Unfortunately, something that should be so simple and organic has also served as a catalyst for divisiveness among some residents. We have seen that divisiveness rear its ugly head at public meetings, in localized social network posts, and in our own Newtown Bee Letter Hive.

Our own Bee staffers have also heard directly from residents about disturbing racist epithets being hurled at them, acts of targeted vandalism, and other repulsive incidents spurred by certain individuals who ignorantly take issue with one or more of their own Newtown neighbors just because they do not appear to be Caucasian — or they represent a different race, culture, religious philosophy, sexual orientation, socio-economic position, or because they are living with a disability.

We have also heard from individuals claiming to represent others in town who feel formalized initiatives to enhance our community’s inclusion, equity in its practices and programs, and its diversity of citizens, are either not needed, unwanted, or — in a few rare cases — may be somehow damaging or contributing to the erosion of our community fabric.

As it is described by a contributor to Gaia Education, a provider of sustainability education that promotes thriving communities, weaving the fabric of community “involves clear communication and goals, shared leadership, working, resolving conflicts, and making decisions together.”

So any wholesale rejection of localized DEI initiatives would seem to counter efforts toward strengthening our fabric and making Newtown a better place to live for everyone.

This week, two significant Newtown institutions — our school district and our local library — mobilized staff and joined with leadership from our local hometown bank, your local newspaper, the school board, a local clergy member, and our first selectman for a virtual forum called “Race: More Than A Conversation.”

The webcast welcomed over 150 participants, a number of whom submitted thoughtful insights and observations beyond the core question of the evening: What is the one action the Newtown community can take right now to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion?

In turn, each panelist responded to that query and its logical follow-up: What steps will your organization take to support this action?

Next week’s print edition and newtownbee.com will offer full coverage of this forum, including remarks by Editor John Voket reviewing several ways The Bee plans to support and promote greater equity, inclusiveness, and the embracing of Newtown’s diverse citizenry.

In the meantime, residents who were unable to attend the February 7 webcast can view it by visiting chboothlibrary.org.

This community conversation is the latest, but by far not the final, effort aimed toward bringing more of our community members together to better understand each other — face to face — where the best opportunities for positive outcomes can occur.

At the same time, we will reflect a sentiment put forward by our editor during the forum. If Newtown is to remain and strives to be ‘Nicer,’ each one of us needs to get to know our neighbors. Look to your left and right wherever you live, then just reach out and say Hello.

Introducing yourself to those who make their homes in closest proximity is the first step every one of us can take toward fostering inclusion and acceptance, embracing the beautiful diversity this town harbors in each of our households, and strengthening the fabric (and equity) that binds us all together as Newtowners.