Michelle Phillips has officially taken the helm as the Director of Civil Rights for the City of Minneapolis, an announcement detailed by a recent press release made available on the city's official website. Phillips, who has a distinguished background in law enforcement oversight, most recently served as the Inspector General for the City of Oakland, California, prior to which she held the position of Deputy Inspector of the City of Baltimore.
In her new role, Phillips will be responsible for leading the department that plays an integral part in enforcing nondiscriminatory practices within Minneapolis. Mayor Jacob Frey expressed his confidence in her appointment, stating, "Michelle Phillips is an expert in oversight and accountability, and I am confident that her experience and background will be invaluable as we fill this critical role." The City Council echoed this sentiment, granting unanimous confirmation to Phillips' nomination.
Phillips' expertise extends to civil oversight of police and promoting constitutional policing, a particularly significant concern in Minneapolis post-2020. "Michelle brings a wealth of experience from peer cities, particularly in implementing police oversight measures," City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher commented on Phillips’ appointment, indicating the pivotal moment that the department and city find themselves in, as per the City's news release.
Addressing the city council after her swearing-in, Phillips reflected, "Acknowledging the pain that has permeated throughout this City is important. Identifying a path forward with tangible solutions and sustainable impact is vital." She adds that despite the obstacles posed by her own background, resilience, and dedication have paved her way to impacting change, mirroring the city’s current trajectory. Her role involves enforcement of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, and upholding the city's obligations under a settlement agreement reached with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, as reported by the city's news release.
The Department of Civil Rights under Phillips' leadership will continue its longstanding mission to root out discrimination and advocate for protected groups in Minneapolis. Her robust experience in monitoring police conduct and addressing systemic failures within city structures will now serve as a cornerstone for Minneapolis' ongoing civil rights commitments and reforms.
