SPRINGFIELD, Oct. 7 — Public commenters and several alderpersons used the City Council meeting to press for a stronger and more transparent response after reports that a city employee used a racial slur.

Speakers at the meeting said the incident had caused distress in the community and asked why discipline for that conduct appeared lighter than for other personnel actions publicized recently. Tiara Standage, who identified herself as a community member and activist, said the employee "shouldn't have a job" after using the slur. Alderman Sarah Williams, Alderman Conley and others called for the council to speak with a united voice and for clearer consequences.

Corporation counsel responded that the city code contains anti‑harassment and anti‑discrimination provisions and that discipline for misconduct is also addressed in the city’s personnel code and in collective bargaining agreements. The counsel said they would not discuss personnel matters publicly and offered to meet with elected officials in a setting that preserves attorney‑client privilege.

Council members and public commenters asked for the city to publish the applicable policy language and for a meeting with corporation counsel so aldermen could better answer community questions. Several speakers noted reports they had heard that a range of discipline in the matter could be "five to 30 days," and said that perception had contributed to community anger. Council members urged the administration to make the policy and next steps clear to the public while respecting legal confidentiality around active investigations.

No formal disciplinary action or vote was announced at the meeting; corporation counsel declined to release details of any personnel investigation at the public meeting.