race

What's in the budget provision that is calling race conversations into question?

What's in the budget provision that is calling race conversations into question?

As the state budget moved through the legislature this year, New Hampshire had its eyes on a provision commonly referred to as the ‘divisive concepts’ legislation. The language has been a point of widespread controversy, but now that it’s law, many Granite Staters are left wondering what exactly is in the bill.

Opponents of the law argue it could put a chill on conversations about systemic racism, white privilege and implicit bias; supporters say the legislation protects all New Hampshireites from discrimination — including white people.

Half of governor's diversity council resigns

Half of governor's diversity council resigns

More than half of the state’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion abruptly resigned Tuesday, citing concerns that the state budget signed into law by Governor Chris Sununu silences important conversations about race.

It is now illegal in New Hampshire to teach in schools or train public employees that someone “is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.”

Historians, residents reflect on the legacy of Wentworth Cheswill: ‘He donated his life to the town of Newmarket’

Historians, residents reflect on the legacy of Wentworth Cheswill: ‘He donated his life to the town of Newmarket’

Nearly 30 years ago, Charlotte DiLorenzo moved to Newmarket from Massachusetts, where she had lived her whole life. The lack of racial diversity in her new home state was nothing less than culture shock for her.

“I lived in Beverly, I grew up in Lynn, I worked in Boston. I was sort of used to being in diverse communities and being around a lot of diverse people,” DiLorenzo, who is Black, said. “Things were so different.”

Unknown to DiLorenzo at the time, and to many New Hampshireites today, the same Granite State that Dilorenzo met in 1993 is home to the nation’s first African American person elected to public office — in 1768.

Five arrested after refusing to leave governor’s office

Five arrested after refusing to leave governor’s office

After Asma Elhuni, Lebanon resident and Movement Politics Director for Rights and Democracy New Hampshire, was arrested Thursday alongside four other activists at the State House, she said their fight against the “immoral” legislation in the state budget that Gov. Chris Sununu signed Friday is not over.

Despite the budget being signed and sealed, Elhuni vows to revitalize community outreach efforts in the wake of the legislation. The activist said New Hampshire communities “will not be divided,” and Rights and Democracy will focus this summer on engaging more people than ever around the state.

DCYF stats: minority children reported to child welfare, arrested, jailed more than white youth

DCYF stats: minority children reported to child welfare, arrested, jailed more than white youth

Black kids are far more likely to end up with harsher punishments than their white contemporaries when they get in trouble, with higher rates of arrests, detentions and incarceration, according to a statistical analysis by the Division of Children, Youth and Families.

LEACT told input not needed on bill

LEACT told input not needed on bill

Members of the governor’s police accountability commission expressed disappointment after Attorney General John Formella shot down a request for an emergency meeting to discuss “divisive concepts” language in the proposed state budget.


The legislation would prohibit discussing or teaching concepts like systemic racism or critical race theory in schools and governmental agencies.

With Policing in the Spotlight, Some Search for Alternatives to SROs

With Policing in the Spotlight, Some Search for Alternatives to SROs

Some Granite Staters believe sworn officers are needed on campus to protect students from threats of violence such as school shootings. Others raise concerns about criminalization of student behavior and the apparent disproportionate impact of school policing on students of color and those with disabilities. And as conversations around policing continue to evolve, some are looking for alternative ways to keep schools safe.

Series Uses Visual Art To Explore Race, Equity

Series Uses Visual Art To Explore Race, Equity

But when it comes to talking about race, there are no wrong answers, said Richard Haynes, who organized the event with Kristen Butterfield-Ferrell. The duo has hosted three Culture Keepers, Culture Makers event series in the past, and started their most recent, hosted by 3S Artspace in Portsmouth, on Thursday (May 13). The series will continue for three more weeks, encouraging people from around the Seacoast and throughout the state to start talking openly about race and equity, exploring the issues through the lens of visual art.