Community Leaders Present Workplace Discrimination Allegations from Black City Employees at Council Meeting

During Monday's Annapolis City Council meeting, community leaders publicly disclosed allegations of workplace discrimination made by some of the city's black employees, bringing what was described as long-standing issues to the forefront for local officials to address. 

The grievances, reportedly penned by multiple city employees, outlined specific instances of unfair treatment and intimidation within various city departments. As council members listened, the statements were formally recorded, underscoring the community's push for accountability and transparency in municipal operations. 

Several community leaders stressed the significance of ensuring equitable treatment for all employees and promptly addressing complaints. Due to apparent fears of retaliation, community leaders read the complaints anonymously on behalf of the employees, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the allegations. The grievances expressed ongoing concerns regarding workplace practices within the city administration and marks a rare instance of employee complaints being formally voiced in a public setting. 

Local leaders and residents have expressed hope that this will lead to meaningful reforms. William Pratt and Toni Strong-Pratt, a married couple who are well respected community leaders, were among those who read employee grievances aloud during the meeting. "Community leaders play a pivotal role in setting standards, amplifying concerns, and acting as liaisons between employees, residents, and city leadership," the Pratts stated to Report Annapolis News. "It is our duty to advocate for transparency, accountability, and fairness while ensuring that concerns are addressed without fear of reprisal." 

The Pratts emphasized that the city administration must unequivocally affirm its stance against discrimination based on race, gender, disability, religion, age, or any other protected class and ensure that violations result in appropriate disciplinary actions. To prevent retaliation, the Pratts suggested establishing clear reporting channels, strictly enforcing whistleblower protections, conducting independent investigations, and holding leadership accountable. 

In response to Report Annapolis News' inquiry, Mayor Jared Littmann issued a statement: 

"I intend to have an administration that does not discriminate and one where workers are treated with dignity and respect. For any staff who have a grievance, there is a process for complaints and anyone who has concerns should use that process. What we heard on Monday was concerning. It was anonymous, so there is not much to go on to bring a resolution. 

We have already begun holding roundtables with staff - 19 in all are scheduled - to hear concerns and proposed solutions from staff on a variety of issues. The last thing is that we can only act on what we know and every story has another side. Since this is a personnel issue, we won't able to make that public."