Michelle Phillips has been sworn in as Director of the Civil Rights Department. Mayor Jacob Frey nominated Phillips for the role by in May. City Council unanimously confirmed her later that month.
“The City of Minneapolis is fortunate to have such a highly qualified leader serve as our new Director of Civil Rights,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “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. We need leaders like her championing civil rights for our City.”
Director Phillips joins the city after previously serving as the first Inspector General for the City of Oakland, California. She has a deep expertise in civilian oversight of police, providing leadership in the promotion of constitutional policing and building departmental infrastructure to ensure thorough and fair investigative processes. Prior to her service in Oakland, Phillips served as Deputy Inspector General with the City of Baltimore, leading an investigative team focused on rooting out fraud and abuse and building trust in local government.
“Michelle brings a wealth of experience from peer cities, particularly in implementing police oversight measures,” said City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “This leadership and change management expertise will benefit the City of Minneapolis at a critical moment for our Civil Rights Department.”
“Acknowledging the pain that has permeated throughout this City is important. Identifying a path forward with tangible solutions and sustainable impact is vital,” Director Phillips said after being sworn in. “Mayor Frey’s administration and the City Council have a vision of equitable, just and accessible services for residents and business owners. I share that vision. As a child I was told that the color of my skin and gender would hinder my opportunities, but if I remained resilient and dedicated to my purpose, I would be able to wage an impact. Minneapolis is resilient, and so is the Department of Civil Rights.”
The Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is tasked with enforcing the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, investigating discriminatory practices, ensuring the protection of members of protected classes and promoting the understanding of civil rights among residents, businesses and government. The department, through its Office of Police Conduct Review, also plays a critical role in implementing reform efforts required by the settlement agreement reached with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.