Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has found that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a fellow Democrat, did nothing wrong holding a holiday party for public officials that excluded white people.
The AG’s office maintains that the event was not open to the public and therefore doesn’t violate the state’s public accommodation law, Fox News reports.
The law specifically prohibits “making any distinction, discrimination, or restriction in admission to or treatment in a place of public accommodation based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, deafness, blindness, or any physical or mental disability, or ancestry.”
Notably, the office refuses to even open an investigation into the matter, despite numerous formal complaints being filed about the segregated party.
An email sent by City Council relations director Denise DosSantos revealed that the controversial party was dubbed the “Electeds of Color Holiday Party,” The Daily Wire reported last month.
“On behalf of Mayor Michelle Wu, I cordially invite you and a guest to the Electeds of Color Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Parkman House, 33 Beacon Street,” DosSantos wrote in the email invite.
Fifteen minutes later, however, DosSantos sent out another email apologizing for sending the email to all council members, indicating that it wasn’t supposed to be sent to white members of the council.
“I wanted to apologize for my previous email regarding the Holiday Party for tomorrow. I did send that to everyone by accident, I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so,” she said, according to Boston 25 News. “Sorry for any confusion this may have caused.”
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Wu, for her part, bragged about the party in a social media post. “Last night was my turn to host the annual holiday dinner for Boston’s elected officials of color—a special moment to appreciate that our affinity group now includes leadership across city, state, county, and federal offices,” she captioned a photo of the event on December 14.
“Not too long ago in Boston, we didn’t need such a big table to fit electeds of color,” Wu continued. “But over my time as a City Councilor and now Mayor, following so many leaders who have paved the way, I’ve proudly watched this group grow and create space for mentorship and fellowship among many who are breaking down barriers while holding the weight of being the first or only. Throughout the year, we work to represent our communities with urgency and determination. And at the holidays, we take the time to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company!”
Facing backlash, Wu further defended the party, saying, “I can understand someone might be confused or worried if certain people weren’t being invited at all or were being left out of any type of celebration. But I assure you, everyone on the Boston City Council has got an invitation to multiple types of events and holiday parties.”
Wu has been accused of racial discrimination in the past over her comments and her administration’s policies. Last year, Wu was sued by a group of white restaurant owners who say they were targeted for city fees in part due to their ethnic heritage.
Leif Le Mahieu contributed to this report.
Related: Boston Mayor Faces Backlash Over Christmas Party Excluding White Officials