Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, a Democrat who has consistently spoken out against racism and discrimination, is facing criticism for her apparent inaction regarding Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s racially segregated Christmas party. Despite receiving at least four complaints about the event, Campbell’s office has declined to investigate.
The controversy arose when Denise DosSantos, director of city council relations in the mayor’s administration, mistakenly sent an email inviting all members of the Boston City Council to Wu’s “Electeds of Color Holiday Party.” She later apologized for including the seven white councilors, acknowledging the mistake.
Critics, including outgoing City Councilor Frank Baker, have called the decision to hold a racially segregated event “unfortunate and divisive.” Councilor Brian Worrell defended the party, citing its long history as the “Elected Officials of Color” holiday gathering.
Despite the backlash, the event proceeded as planned at the Parkman House, a publicly-owned mansion listed as the mayor’s official reception hall. This raised questions about whether the Massachusetts Public Accommodation Law, which Campbell is responsible for enforcing, applied to the venue.
The law prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation based on various factors, including race. When asked whether the event violated the law, Campbell’s office argued that it did not because it was not open to the public.
Rev. Eugene Rivers III, a black pastor, criticized the party as “clumsy politics” and highlighted the double standard, noting that if white politicians had hosted a racially exclusive event, it would likely have been labeled as racist.
Despite four complaints being filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO), including three from outside the state, Campbell’s office has not initiated an investigation into the matter.
Campbell’s handling of the situation has led to accusations of hypocrisy, as her previous statements emphasized her commitment to combating racism and discrimination in all forms. Critics argue that her inaction in this case highlights a disconnect between her rhetoric and actions.
The controversy surrounding Mayor Wu’s anti-white party has sparked a broader discussion about how Democrats so blatantly discriminate against white Americans.
