Resident Susannah Colt on Monday withdrew an inclusivity resolution

WHITEFIELD — Resident Susannah Colt on Monday withdrew an inclusivity resolution from consideration due to a lack of Select Board support. The resolution reaffirmed that Whitefield welcomes everyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation.  However, Select Board members took issue with a line saying the resolution was necessary because “recent events in the North Country have singled out the LGBTQ+ community and other minority groups as not welcome.” Board members unequivocally opposed discrimination but argued the resolution’s language was divisive and politically charged. Select Board members volunteered to put the resolution to a Town Meeting vote as a compromise. Colt, who is gay, declined the offer. Explaining why, she said it would likely be defeated, causing irreversible harm to the town and its LGBTQ+ population.