Committee Report CR-1

The Civic Unity Committee held a public meeting on March 20, 2014 beginning at 5:34 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss issues of diversity in the City of Cambridge..

Present at the meeting were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee, Councillor Marc C. McGovern, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Relations, Taha Jennings, Assistant to the City Manager, Karen Preval, Senior Management Analyst, City Manager's Office, Duane Brown, Affirmative Action Director, Brian Corr, Executive Director, Peace Commission, Neal Alpert, Aide to Councillor Simmons, and Paula M. Crane, Administrative Assistant, City Clerk's Office.

Also present were John Hawkinson, Priscilla Lopes, Patricia Lewis, Yolanda Hernandez, Bishop Brian Greenee, Pentecostal Tabernacle, Cathy Hoffman, Marie Killackey, Nancy Ryan, Sylvia Barnes, Richard Clarey, Yola Dubois, Ron Peden and Beverly Sealey.

Councillor Simmons convened the meeting and stated that she was going to deviate from the order of the meeting agenda (Attachment A) to bring forth the topic of the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee.

Councillor Simmons gave a brief background of the Civic Unity Committee's prior work.  She stated that on December 16, 2013 she sponsored a policy order before the City Council which asked the City Manager to appoint a special committee which would be comprised of City Councillors, City employees and Cambridge residents to take up the work of continuing to hold monthly conversations about the lessons learned from the Malvina Monteiro lawsuit, as well as lessons learned from other related race and class concerns. This special committee would also examine how the City can improve upon the internal handling of race and class matters as an employer.  She stated that this committee was asked to be formed in order to ensure that the conversations of race and relations would continue to be held, regardless of who might be serving on the City Council following the November 2013 City Council election or who might be chairing the Civic Unity Committee starting in 2014.  She noted the importance of the work of the Committee to continue and stated that one of the better ways to have that happen is to have independent committee which would be called, for the purposes of this meeting, the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee.  She stated that once the City Council chose its Mayor for the 2014-2015 term, it was decided that the Mayor would review the size and make-up of the various City Council committees.  This contributed to the delay in scheduling the first Civic Unity Committee meeting for the new term.  Councillor Simmons then provided background for the formation of the Civic Unity Committee in 1944 (Attachment B).  Councillor Simmons then invited City Manager Rossi to address the Committee.

Mr. Rossi stated that he has had many discussions with Councillor Simmons about the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee and how it will function.  He stated that this new committee will serve in an advisory role to the City Manager and City Council regarding issues of equity, fairness, and unity, both within the city organizational structure and throughout the broader Cambridge community.  He stated that this committee will develop an understanding of existing City employment policies and procedures, investigate best practices regarding identifying and resolving personnel issues within an organization, and function as a conduit for facilitating wider public discussions on civic unity issues in the community.

Mr. Rossi stated that following the recruitment practices for City committees, an advertisement will be posted requesting letters of interest and appointment will be made after a short vetting process.  Concurrently with this process, he will work with a small group of community members and City staff to refine the charge and composition of the committee.  He stated that the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee would have more autonomy as opposed to totally operating under the City Manager or government, yet this special committee would still have the clout and the ability to have appropriate people at the table to extend the conversations.  He stated that the City will act as a resource to the committee rather than directing it.  He noted the importance of having a vehicle which would be comprised of a group of community members that will have conversations in areas that will help move the community forward with the goal of delivering the message that Cambridge is a community that is welcoming to all.  He stated that he is not ready to offer the makeup or size of the committee and noted that while there would be some City staff on the Committee, it would not be heavily dominated by such staff.

Mr. Rossi then gave an overview of a number of new practices and initiatives that are currently underway by the Administration.  He stated that a more proactive role is being taken to resolve employee disputes.  New funding will be provided for training employees, supervisors and managers about working in a diverse environment.  He is continuing employee leadership development and citywide performance management.  He spoke of the creation of a new human resource development position within the city.  Mr. Rossi stated that he is also exploring the possibility of having an individual(s) to provide confidential, neutral, independent and informal assistance to City staff by listening, offering information about policies and procedures, and helping to examine options for resolving concerns, all with the purpose of addressing complaints and providing fair and independent mediation and solutions between aggrieved parties.  Mr. Rossi stated that close collaboration is being continued with the Employees Committee on Diversity, Disabilities Commission, Human Rights Commission, Affirmative Action, Peace Commission, and Women's Commission on providing forums for employee learning and discussion on strategies for valuing, accepting and respecting individual and group diversity.  Mr. Rossi stated that the administration is currently engaging all City departments through new interactive site visits by the City leadership team, which is an outgrowth of a vow he made at a previous Civic Unity Committee meeting.

John Hawkinson spoke about open government.  He stated that civic unity deals with issues that are difficult to be open about.  He stated that the City has had a number of lawsuits in the past which have caused public distrust.  He stated that the city is able to do a better job going forward by clarifying what it can say publicly, and stating what it cannot say.  He spoke of City Manager Agenda Item #11 regarding a request for Executive Session at the upcoming City Council meeting.  He stated that this litigation is not a discrimination lawsuit.  This case is about leaflets on cars.  He suggested that the City should make an effort to be as transparent as possible in dealing with this lawsuit, as a kind of "dry run" for dealing with the more difficult lawsuits that deal with charges of discrimination.  He stated his hope for more open discussion.  He encouraged openness, when useful and effective, in promoting dialogue.

Nancy Ryan stated that she is extremely pleased by the City Manager's efforts.  She stated that she had asked the former City Manager to visit City offices and meet people.  She felt it would mean a lot to the women.  She noted that she is pleased to see that City Manager Rossi wants his office to be open to people.  She noted the importance of having the City Manager's Office seen as an open place where one can be heard.  People want to know that there is fairness.  She is encouraged and grateful to Councillor Simmons for her work on this important topic.

Sylvia Barnes, Harvey Street, spoke as a former employee of the City of Cambridge and as a resident.  She stated that it was great to hear Mr. Rossi's ideas about the committee.  She stated that as an employee she went to the Affirmative Action Department and the Personnel Department, and she felt her complaint was never addressed.  There was an investigation to her complaint but she was ultimately told that her manager is her manager and she needs to do what she is told.  She stated that the special civic unity committee that has been discussed at tonight's meeting does not seem to be an answer to the problem, and that it sounds like a "feel good" committee that will not effectively address the issues she is concerned about.  She stated that going to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is not an answer to the problem.  She stated that to use one's life savings to go to court against the City is extremely hard.  She stated that something more needs to be done as opposed to going to MCAD.  She stated that more needs to be done to help employees.

Richard Clarey stated that he agrees with everything said by Sylvia Barnes.  He traced his interest in these affairs to a lesson that was taught to the City by the Monteiro jury in 2008.  He stated that the way the City handles these cases in court is extremely unfortunate.  He said that they are handled like combat.  He stated that the City's Law Department treats employees who raise grievances as if they are the enemy.  This adds insult to injury because a lot of the plaintiffs are still employees.  He stated that there are three cases in Superior Court, one of which is going to trial on April 28

.  He stated that the Gloria Law complaint is available to members of the panel.  Once Ms. Law's complaint was filed, the harassment became worse.  He stated that the Law Department is trying to get at her therapist to pry out secrets that she may have talked about in her visits.  He noted that the City has an ordinance that states that the Human Rights Commission should consider mediating problems but the Human Rights Commission sides with the City and says that they don't want to get involved.  Unions don't want to be involved.  In the absence of mandatory mediation of these complaints, Mr. Clarey questioned what else to do.  He suggested that the City Council pay attention to the cases and review them.  He stated that the City Council now has an attorney (Vice Mayor Benzan) among its members, and perhaps the City Council should turn to him to help make sense of these types of legal matters and help the City Council assume more of an oversight role with regard to the matters at MCAD and Superior Court to see what is happening.  An advantage to settle these matters is that when they come before a jury, you can say to a jury that the City at least tried.

Dr. Beverly Sealey, longtime Cambridge resident, stated that in 2014 we are still talking about issues of racism, discrimination and lack of social justice.  She suggested that it may be helpful to conduct a survey with residents to compile their thoughts on this topic.  She stated that it is sad to hear that things have gotten so bad, yet she is hopeful.  She stated that it is important to develop a purpose, mission statement and power to be placed on the committee.  She stated that she liked the idea of community education meetings but it needs to go further than that.  She asked whether this special civic unity committee would have any "teeth" in it.

Ron Peden stated that it is important to speak up in support of the people present at the meeting.  He stated that these people deserve credit because it takes courage to speak out publicly against an institution as powerful as the City of Cambridge.  He stated that these employees have put their careers on the line and it is tremendous sacrifice.  He stated that there is a lack of accountability.  Cambridge prides itself on diversity but the lack of concern is disappointing.  He stated that the City's attitude is nonchalant and the issue is not taken personally.  He stated that people want to see change.  He stated that he feels that this committee will do nothing other than to appease people who have complaints.  He stated that there does not seem to be a serious commitment.  There has to be more accountability, and that he would like to see people in positions of authority resign, in order to show they are serious about bringing about real change.

Councillor Simmons stated that discussions within the committee will focused upon race and class as well as gender and sexual orientation.  She noted her desire that this committee be as broad as possible.  She stated that Mr. Rossi is committed to make Cambridge different.  She stated that acceptance, tolerance, access and fairness do not happen on their own.  We must be deliberate about making Cambridge the city that we say we are.

Councillor McGovern stated that it is great to have Councillor Simmons continue in her role as the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee for the purpose of continuity.  He stated that as it relates to participation, the schools should be included.  He stated that as a former School Committee Member, much work has been done around the controlled choice policy and there were some on the committee who felt if all schools were excellent, people wouldn't care what school their child attended.  He stated that it is a huge issue within the schools.  He noted that he recently met with a group of realtors and the issue surrounding the diversity of Cambridge came about.  He stated his belief that people do not understand diversity.  He stated that what is seen within the schools is that parents say they like diversity until their child is in the minority.  Councillor Simmons encouraged Councillor McGovern to solicit people from the schools to participate in the Civic Unity Committee discussions.

Renae Gray stated that she would like to state that any oppression such as race, class, gender, and sexual orientation are embedded impressions in our society.  She is optimistic about the committee.  She stated that racism has three categories: institutional, cultural and interpersonal.  She stated that generally, people do a good job at the interpersonal and cultural categories; more work needs to be done within the institutional category.  She noted that one thing that she finds when talking about diversity is that people say they want diversity, but they really want it to be reflective of them.  She affirmed that a key piece of this is to accept the existing fabric of your neighborhood, and to resist the urge to come along and try to change it.  When one defines the standard and norm for everyone, that is a form of cultural racism.  She stated that she is excited about the committee and looking forward to "talking circles" where people will know that they are being heard.  This will set a good tone for the work moving forward.

Yola Dubois stated that she is happy to hear that the committee will try to encourage people from the schools to participate in this forum.  She stated that she is currently dealing with an issue at a school and is hoping to have mediation take place.

Councillor Simmons stated that it would be good to have a representative of the School Committee and the School Department on this committee.  She stated that it may be beneficial for the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee to recommend the formation of a Civic Unity Committee at the school level.

Bishop Greene stated that he is listening to what is in people's hearts.  His concern is that people may not realize how difficult the work is going to be.  He stated that his congregation began as a congregation whose members were strictly from Barbados.  As the church grew, he decided to ask the congregation how many were United States.  More importantly, he stated, there were people from Japan, Malaysia, and parts of Africa.  He discovered how hard it is to make sure that everyone feels that they have a part in the discussion and he discovered how African-Americans can be to Africans.  He hopes that whoever is on the committee needs to understand that there is a lot of work to be done and there is insensitivity on all sides.  He does not believe most people want to be insensitive or prejudice.

Karen Preval stated that she is a member of Diversity Committee.  She stated that it is extremely important that all voices be heard.  She stated that a climate survey within the community could be very beneficial.

Councillor Simmons stated that sometimes it is difficult to get a conversation to launch.  The City Council needs to look at the employee issue.  She believes that there are still some deep-seeded feelings that need to be unearthed.  She stated that it is important for the City Council to figure out a way to get at those feelings.  She stated that this goal may be accomplished by way of a survey or community forum.

Regarding a survey, Beverly Sealey added that if we are talking about changing relations, we should solicit the residents.  She stated that forums and surveys are both important as they will reach a different set of population.  The forum could supplement the survey.  She noted the importance of randomized input.

Councillor McGovern stated that he attended a forum that was conducted by the Peace Commission following the murder of Trayvon Martin.  He stated that he was pleasantly surprised.  He thought that he would get white residents getting up and saying "I never have these feelings."  He found that people were open and honest with things about themselves that they were uncomfortable with.  He said it is never easy to look one's self in the mirror and admit there are people or things one is uncomfortable with, and that admitting this does not make one a bad person.  Sometimes people fall into defensive stances.  He noted the importance of creating an environment where people can really be honest about issues that they have struggled with.  He noted that many meeting attendees do not represent the population of the city.  He questioned how to ensure that people feel comfortable being engaged.  He stated that there are a lot of voices that are left out of important conversations that really need to be part of the conversation.  He questioned how government can be more supportive in welcoming people who do not normally participate, and encouraging those people to become active participants in the conversation.

Sylvia Barnes stated her wish that all of the Civic Unity members were present to hear the conversation.  She stated her hope for their attendance at the next Civic Unity meeting.  Regarding the Special Citizens Civic Unity Committee, she stated that is not hearing about employees being appointed to that committee.  She stated that she hopes that some employees of the city are part of the committee.  Mr. Rossi affirmed that there will be employees as part of the committee.  Councillor Simmons stated that this committee will be as representative as possible, and that the Council Order she introduced in 2013 that sought the creation of this special committee specifically stated that City employees should be part of it.

Priscilla Lopes stated that she is a resident as well as an employee of the City of Cambridge.  She noted that she has been involved in different boards and commissions in an effort to change the city.  She stated that change does not happen in other cities that she is aware of.  She hopes this forum gives employees the opportunity to speak.  She noted that Cambridge is changing for the better.  She stated that Cambridge is worth fighting for.

Beverly Sealey stated that she is concerned about a number of issues related to the education of children of color and male children of color.  She questioned how the City approaches that topic?

Councillor Simmons moved to the topic of diversity within city government.  She stated that she was not aware that certain boards and commissions have regulatory authority.  She stated that it is important to her that these boards and commissions are diverse.  She questioned the procedure by which constables are appointed.

Mr. Rossi stated that constables are not recruited, and that the City is the vehicle through which they are appointed.  He stated that the City is required to appoint a certified constable to serve in the community by law.  The city is the vehicle that allows them to serve.  In terms of boards and commissions, Mr. Rossi stated that he has tried to make all of his appointments diverse.  He noted that he looks at gender, race, ethnic background, where the applicant lives within the community, etc.  Mr. Rossi stated that one problem that he has encountered is when a board/commission position is advertised and the interested candidates do not reflect a diverse pool of candidates.  Councillor Simmons requested that Mr. Rossi provide her with the list of boards and commissions along with members of same.  She stated that if deficiencies are seen, she would like to see deliberate action to make these boards and commissions more balanced.  Mr. Rossi stated that he would conduct an analysis of the boards and commissions and respond back to the committee.  He stated that he will develop recommendations going forward to ensure diversity.

Councillor Simmons then moved to the topic of Unity Among the Interfaith Community.  She stated that some churches are easy to reach while others are more difficult.  She stated that it is important to ensure that all of the Interfaith community is informed.  She asked Bishop Greenee if he would invite the Interfaith community to these discussions.  Bishop Greene stated that it is important to have a figurehead, such as the Mayor, extend the invitation to the Interfaith community for its participation.  The position of Mayor carries with it the benefit of authority.  He noted that there are large churches in Cambridge that are not even aware of each other.  He noted that a major challenge is that pastors do not typically get out of their comfort zones.  Councillor Simmons stated that representation of the Interfaith community is important to this mission.

Beverly Sealey questioned the active involvement of the Cambridge Black Pastors Association.  Bishop Greenee stated that this association is very active, especially following the murder of Charlene Holmes in 2012.  He noted that they were able to galvanize 15-20 pastors from various churches.  This was the impetus that caused the Police Department to see the importance of the faith community.  As a result, the Chaplaincy program of the Cambridge Police Department was formed.

Regarding community engagement meetings, Councillor Simmons stated that she has spoken to the City Manager and it is their intention to move around the entire city to talk to people and see what is on their minds.  She noted that there are some tentative dates on the calendar for these interactions to take place.  These meetings will launch community conversations.

Councillor McGovern suggested utilizing the Community Engagement Team to get word out to the community regarding these visits around the city.  He stated that the Community Engagement Team is very successful in getting information to people who are otherwise not involved.

Bishop Greene questioned how to reach the "new" Cambridge?  He stated that he regularly notices groups of young people between the ages of 25 and 35 who live in the City but rarely have a clue about Cambridge.  He cited the example of moving through Central Square at night, and seeing a whole host of unfamiliar faces enjoying the City's nightlife.  Many community meetings have the same types of people in attendance.  He noted that this age group makes up a large segment of the Cambridge population.  New connections need to be made with this age group.

Mr. Rossi responded that it is difficult to get the interest of this age group.  He stated that creating forums for people to have the opportunity to speak is a vital component.  He noted that social media is a good way to try to engage the younger community.  The Community Engagement Team, youth centers, and the CHA are some outlets that could be utilized to spread the word to these people and encourage them to participate.

Renae Gray added that the Trayvon Martin event consisted of many young adults, and that sometimes it is a question of a motivating event to capture peoples' attention.

Priscilla Lopes stated that she has been involved in many housing issues.  She stated that she has attempted to reach out to residents to find out what their interests are.  She stated that residents who have lived in the City for over ten years are interested while many new residents to the City are not as invested.  She stated that this has been a big issue in the Cambridgeport area.

Mr. Peden stated that he is not optimistic.  For every individual who speaks up, there are at least dozens of others who have an interest in the issue but refuse to be counted because they are cynical.  He stated that accountability goes to the issue of bringing people into the process.  He is not a lifelong Cantabrigian.  Cambridge is not the only city with issues of diversity.  When he hears about the deliberative process it is intimidating.  He thinks that the only way people will believe that Cambridge is serious about the issue is to hold people accountable.  He said that you can have all the discussions you want, but until there are jobs lost, people will not feel that anything has changed.  Only then will people with these concerns be encouraged to believe that the City is serious.  Unless there is action, all the work of the committee is for naught.  The best thing that the committee can do is to see action in follow-up.