Boston's Democratic Mayor, Michelle Wu, is under fire after sending out invitations to a Christmas party intended exclusively for council members of color.
The controversy broke out after Denise DosSantos, assistant to the mayor, sent all city councilors the invitation to the "Electeds of Color Holiday Party" and then clarified that it had been a mistake and that the event was only for councilors of color.
DosSantos apologized for sending the invitation to everyone but not for organizing an event that excluded seven white members. "I wanted to apologize for my previous email (...) I did send that to everyone by accident, and I apologize if my email may have offended or came across as so. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused," DosSantos wrote.
The controversy has caused tensions in Boston City Hall. Some councilors believed that it was an unfortunate measure at a time of high polarization.
"I find it unfortunate that with the temperature the way it is, that we would further that division," said outgoing Councilman Frank Baker.
Michael McCormack, who served as a Boston City Council member for five terms, expressed his opinion by noting that former city leaders would have extended the invitation to the entire council.
"It's not something that anyone in the mayor's office should be proud of," he said.
An email from the office of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu invited councilmen to a No-Whites Christmas party.
Now she is apologizing.
Not for banning white people, but for accidentally inviting them. pic.twitter.com/zgvsdfwhEI
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) December 13, 2023
Wu defends her decision
Despite the controversy, when the mayor was asked if she considers it divisive to organize a party that excludes white people, Wu responded no.
"We celebrate all kinds of connection and identity and culture and heritage in the city (...) There are multiple ways that we celebrate with everyone. There are several parties where all the entire city council and all of our elected colleagues have been invited to," she said.
Wu's spokesman, Ricardo Patrón, also justified the decision by explaining that the mayor was chosen to host the annual party of the "electeds of color" and that this group changes host and location each year.
