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By JT Scott
Ward 2 Alderman

Sexual harassment is a major problem. We know from looking at the news that government is no exception. On investigating this problem locally, I discovered that Somerville does not keep track of sexual harassment trends.

Show Me The Data

Almost every month we are reminded of this administration’s dedication to a data-driven approach. From the mayor’s “Data Download” column: “Data-based decision making is at the core of how the City of Somerville develops policy and sets priorities. Every day we check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends.” However, when it comes to one of the most important and high-visibility issues of our day, sexual harassment, our city is apparently closing its eyes and refusing to analyze, or even to collect, data.

This is a nationwide problem. In Philadelphia, for example, independent investigations by the Philadelphia Weekly and the Philadelphia Inquirer revealed major issues in their city hall. More than 20 harassment cases were reported for every year in the most recent 5-year period. The city paid out a total of more than $2.2M in settlements.

This information didn’t come easy. Even after multiple information requests, only about a quarter of the city’s departments produced information and documented incidents of harassment. Surely a data-driven city such as Somerville under Mayor Curtatone can do better? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I serve as Chairman of the Board of Aldermen’s Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters. In that role, I have made multiple inquiries regarding Sexual Harassment in the city. These have been met with refusals to provide data or even summary information about the scope of our problem.

The Somerville Commission for Women has made similar requests and received similar responses. Instead of data we have been given reassurances that the city is re-evaluating its current harassment policy and is in the process of updating it. How can we even begin to understand the scope of the problem, let alone address it, unless we look at this data?

We Don’t Even Look

I filed “Freedom of Information Act” requests with the city in accordance with Massachusetts Public Records Law (G. L. c. 66, § 10). In those requests, I asked specifically for anonymized totals. I asked for any tracking done in aggregate or by department of sexual harassment reports, and human resources actions taken as a result of those reports.

City Solicitor Frank Wright stated in his response that “no log or other record exists that tracked or otherwise sets forth that which you request”. In response to my astonished follow up, he elaborated: “I am informed that to the best of Personnel Director Candace Cooper’s knowledge and belief the documents you have requested do not exist.  If such tabulations were to exist it is our understanding and belief that the Personnel Department would possess such information.” This is remarkable: the city has gone on record with the fact that they simply do not maintain statistics on sexual harassment in our government.

We Must Do Better

This failure to track – let alone eliminate – abuse is a massive and disturbing problem right here in our supposedly progressive and data-driven administration. It’s possible that careful compilation of records and tracking harassment claims will give us good news: Somerville has not one case of sexual harassment. If it does, then we should all take to the streets and celebrate. More likely the collection of this data will give us the tools we need to protect people from abuse in their workplace and on the streets of their city.

We live in a #MeToo world. Turning a blind eye to sexual harassment is unacceptable. It’s time that Somerville stands up to do better.  I am putting forward a Board Order at our upcoming meeting requesting that the Mayor and the Human Resources Director immediately address this failure. Please join me in demanding transparent, data-driven action to combat sexual harassment in our city government.