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Quincy Human Rights Commission urges council to confront hate speech, cites city code duties
Summary
Mark Philpott, chairman of Quincy's Human Rights Commission, told the council the commission expects equal consideration for all Quincyans and urged elected officials to denounce hate speech after members received an email the commission said undermined racial harmony; he cited Chapter 40.17157 of the city code.
At the City Council meeting on 2025-06-16, Mark Philpott, chairman of the Quincy Human Rights Commission, addressed the council during public comment and urged elected officials to speak out against hatred and discrimination.
Philpott cited the commission's duties on the city code and read language from the code describing the commission's advisory role: "I would call attention to chapter 40 dot 1 7 1 57 of the city code, which states that the commission shall advise with the mayor and city officials of the city in the interest of equal opportunity, understanding, and goodwill towards all persons regardless of race, color, creed, or national origin... The Commission shall receive and act upon reports of tension, situation, and reports of violations of civil rights, attempting to eradicate them through cooperation with local authorities and with the other parties requesting advice or assistance."
Philpott said members of the commission received an email the commission viewed as contrary to promoting racial harmony and expressed disappointment that some council members did not publicly comment on the message: "We are disappointed that members of this body did not see fit to consult, express the same, or otherwise comment on its contents," he said.
He urged consistent public denouncement of hateful statements: "If you see hatred, confront it. If you hear hate speech, denounce it... If we are truly 1 Quincy, that when evil voices espouse what is contrary to our core beliefs, that our elected officials say in a united voice," Philpott said.
The commission asked the council to give equal consideration to all Quincyans "regardless of their religious preference, gender, race, creed, or other identifier in the execution of your duties as elected officials." Philpott said the commission does not seek preferential treatment for any group but demands equal consideration and follow-up when tensions or violations arise.
Philpott's remarks were made as public comment; the council did not take formal action on the commission's request during the meeting as recorded.
