City Manager Eric D. Batista responds to the Human Rights Commission’s request for information, emphasizing the need for the commission to focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives rather than police oversight.
In a recent development, City Manager Eric D. Batista of Worcester has announced that the city will be posting the requested public records from the Bureau of Professional Standards on its website. This decision comes after a disagreement with the city’s Human Rights Commission over the commission’s request for information regarding police handling of hate crime incidents. Batista has expressed his belief that the commission should prioritize the ongoing restructuring of the city’s Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This article will explore the details of the disagreement and shed light on the differing perspectives surrounding the role of the Human Rights Commission.
Batista’s Direction and the Commission’s Request for Documents
At a Human Rights Commission meeting on November 13, Chair Ellen Shemitz revealed that Batista had asked the commission to shift its focus away from police oversight. Shemitz had hoped that the city manager would expedite the commission’s request for documents related to sustained investigations into police misconduct and hate crime incidents. In response, the commission voted to invite Batista to their next meeting to explain his position.
Batista’s Stance and the City’s Commitment to Transparency
Batista, in a statement released on Thursday, reiterated his belief that the commission’s investigation into police handling of hate crimes was not within their purview. He emphasized that the commission’s primary role should be to review diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, address human rights complaints against private entities, and conduct meetings and hearings related to investigations. Batista clarified that this did not include investigations into city employees or departments.
Batista also expressed his commitment to transparency by announcing that the city would provide the requested public records to the commission. He stated that the documents would be made available on the city’s website by mid-December. The city manager maintained that the release of these records was in line with his administration’s dedication to openness and accountability.
The Commission’s Perspective and Expectations
The Human Rights Commission, on the other hand, had hoped that Batista would prioritize their request for information. They believed that understanding the handling of hate crime incidents by the police was crucial to their mission. The commission had also been conducting investigations into police misconduct and wanted access to the relevant documents to aid in their work.
Commissioners expressed their desire to hear directly from Batista at their upcoming meeting, seeking clarification on his stance and expectations. They emphasized the importance of their role in ensuring police accountability and addressing human rights concerns within the community.
Batista’s Goals for the Commission and the Path Forward
Batista outlined his near-term goals for the Human Rights Commission, which include the creation of an equal opportunity employment policy, revising the affirmative action policy, ensuring pay equity for city employees, developing educational materials on fair housing, workplace harassment, and implicit bias, and establishing a formal grievance process. He reiterated his commitment to achieving tangible outcomes in terms of police accountability and fostering a positive relationship between the commission and the police department.
Furthermore, Batista shared that the city is in the final stages of hiring a chief equity officer for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This appointment is expected to strengthen the city’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout Worcester.
Conclusion:
The disagreement between City Manager Eric D. Batista and the Human Rights Commission highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the commission’s role in overseeing police conduct. While Batista emphasizes the need for the commission to focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives, the commission believes that investigating hate crime incidents and police misconduct is integral to their mission. As Worcester moves forward, the release of public records and the appointment of a chief equity officer signal the city’s commitment to transparency and addressing human rights concerns. The upcoming meeting between Batista and the commission will likely shed further light on the path forward and the potential for collaboration between these two entities.
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