Quincy councilors double down on request for social justice, equity department funding

QUINCY – City councilors say they plan to continue fighting for money to create a Department of Social Justice and Equity within the city, which the mayor did not fund in this year's $346.6 million budget.

At its first meeting of the year Monday, council members asked Mayor Thomas Koch to give $75,000 to the creation of the department and hiring of a director. Councilors first asked Koch to create the department in January 2021, and expressed frustration last summer when it was not included in the budget.

"Quincy isn't a great city because of brick and mortar," City Councilor William Harris said. "It's about the city that we are, it's the people. We need to assure that all the people of Quincy will be able to have a chance and the rights to be able to enjoy quality of life. That's what it's about."

When the department was first proposed, dozens of residents spoke up in favor on the heels of a summer of heightened nationwide racial tensions and a subsequent series of meetings with local residents. At the time, Koch said he felt the idea needed to be "fleshed out a little bit more." He instead created a committee to look at equity and inclusion.

Jan. 2021: Quincy residents share stories of racism, plead for new city department

Dec. 2021: Diversity coordinator coming to Quincy schools after mayor rejects similar city hall position

"Nothing has changed in the last several months," Chris Walker, Koch's chief of staff, said Tuesday. "The commission continues it's work and the mayor is not closing any doors."

While Harris did vote to support the diversity department originally, he said he never contributed to discussions at council meetings. He said a constituent recently said to him, "your silence was deafening," prompting him to speak up Monday.

"The whole body voted on this and I believe it was a unanimous vote that this would happen," Harris said. "I have always said that the vision of our city is extraordinary. We put our trust in our mayor, I have the upmost respect for our mayor... But I believe that the mayor should come back and hopefully put his trust in us."

Anne Mahoney, a councilor-at-large, pointed to recent protests by students speaking out against racist behavior in Quincy schools. Following a walk out, the school committee, chaired by Koch, agreed to hire a diversity coordination.

Nov. 2021: Students walk out of Quincy High protesting racism, hate speech

"The students came out and spoke eloquently about what was happening in their schools, and we do have some real issues right here in our own city," Mahoney said. "We want to make sure people feel safe, welcome and heard in our city."

City Councilor At-Large Nina Liang said "having a focused priority around social justice is important."

"This is a 'yes, and' situation," Liang said. "We have had incredible growth in this city and amazing things happen, but we can continue to do more. We'd love to have this department, and we still have work being done in the meantime to move this conversation forward. ... Yes, we need these things, and we can do better."

The request for funding passed by a vote of 6 to 1. Ward Councilor Dave McCarthy voted no, and Ward Councilor Brain Palmucci was not at the meeting.

Monday's meeting largely saw councilors handling housekeeping matters and pushing discussions off to future committee meetings. In addition to the social justice department, councilors requested an update on the Urban Revitalization Plan update for Quincy Center.

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Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Quincy councilors ask again for social justice department funding