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City Council bans nondisclosure agreements for council staff after heated debate
Summary
The Boston City Council voted to bar nondisclosure, nondisparagement and similar clauses as a condition of employment for City Council staff, adopting Docket 0190 in a new draft. Supporters said the policy protects transparency and staff who report wrongdoing; opponents and some members urged broader, citywide action.
The Boston City Council on Feb. 5 passed an order prohibiting councilors from requiring nondisclosure, nondisparagement or confidentiality provisions as a condition of employment for City Council staff, adopting Docket 0190 "in a new draft." The measure passed after debate in committee and on the council floor.
The policy is framed as an internal rules change for the City Council intended to ensure staff can raise concerns without fear of retaliation. "The committee discussed the use of such agreements, emphasizing that the city council should uphold the highest standards, fostering an environment which staff feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of retaliation," the committee report said.
Supporters argued the agreements can be used to conceal unlawful conduct and…
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