Minneapolis official won’t face discipline after claims of ‘toxic, racist’ workplace – By Dave Orrick (Star Tribune) / Mar 23 2023
Senior official Heather Johnston essentially cleared of wrongdoing; Mayor Jacob Frey says she has his full confidence.
One of Minneapolis City Hall’s highest non-elected officials will not face any discipline, after an outside review of Heather Johnston’s performance did not substantiate claims that she was responsible for a “toxic, racist” workplace.
As a result, Mayor Jacob Frey said Thursday Johnston, the interim city operations officer, has his full confidence.
The report, completed by the Greene Espel law firm, was commissioned by the city after 17 current and former employees of Johnston’s office publicly released a 20-page letter in April 2022 laying out grievances around a central theme that the city for years had paid lip service to racial to racial justice, but had failed many Black employees in providing a welcoming workplace.
The letter led to a contentious confirmation process for Johnston that divided the City Council.
