The mission of the Hopkinton Freedom Team is to "preserving freedom through unity in the community." Its members meet monthly to explore ways of offering dialogue and support to individuals and the entire community with a goal of promoting love, inclusion and trust (“LIT”) and moving beyond tolerance to embracing, celebrating and sharing our community’s diversity. Residents of Hopkinton are urged
to call the hotline or contact the Hopkinton Freedom Team if they have experienced or witnessed bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence. The Freedom Team will offer a safe, confidential, and respectful space to discuss the incident using a transformative justice model not only to try to repair the harm through inclusion, trust and equity, but also to educate the perpetrators and strengthen the community so we minimize future harm. The Hopkinton Freedom Team does not tolerate threats, harassment or violence related to race, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or class. The first Freedom Team formed in 2016 in Natick through the inspiration of Jamele Adams; the Hopkinton Freedom Team formed in 2020. The hotline will be monitored by the Hopkinton MA Police Department. While not every incident will be appropriate for legal action, the Hopkinton Police will work closely with the Freedom Team to support victims and educate where appropriate. Anyone who has witnessed or experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence may call the Town of Hopkinton MA Hotline at 774-278-4455. Potential Hate Crimes - including bias-motivated assault, battery and property damage - should also be reported directly to the Hopkinton Police Department as soon as practical. Residents who fear for their immediate safety should call 911 immediately.
