Fourteen months after it began, a federal civil rights probe into allegations of racism in Everett’s city government has closed without a finding, according to city officials.
Federal officials did not respond to a request for comment but city officials say they've been informed that no further action will be taken.
The inquiry began in the spring of 2022 under then-U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins. At the time, Rollins said a probe was needed after a barrage of incidents, which included the sending of racist texts involving city officials, as well as a lawsuit claiming discrimination and harassment by Mayor Carlo DeMaria and other officials that was filed by the city's school superintendent, Priya Tahiliani, and her deputy. That lawsuit is ongoing.
Erin Deveney, DeMaria's chief of staff, told GBH News that the city had received a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice saying that the investigation was being closed with no further action to be taken.
“We cooperated fully throughout the course of this inquiry,” DeMaria said in a statement. “I am pleased that the matter has been closed, but I am not surprised by the outcome.”
Last year’s incidents triggered protests in front of City Hall by community members and walkouts by high school students. The majority of Everett’s residents are people of color, but nearly all government officials are white. Still, that may be changing.
Eight of the 27 candidates in September's primary election for City Council are people of color. It’s the most diverse field in the city’s history, and several candidates of color told GBH News that anger over racism in local politics spurred their decision to run.
A recent incident, though, has sparked fresh concerns. An investigation is ongoing into the planting of a racist effigy under the campaign sign of Guerline Alcy, a Black City Council candidate.
DeMaria said the city had been working before the inquiry, and would continue to work to ensure that the city was an “Everett for everyone.”
“We will continue to find ways to bring residents together to celebrate the diverse cultures that make our community special,” said DeMaria, “... as well as continue with our teachings and trainings dedicated to providing our residents and also our employees with a city government that is accessible, respectful and culturally sensitive.”
