Swampscott Officials Accused Of Racism At Forum

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — What had been promoted as a "facilitated discussion about race, discrimination, inequality and injustice in the Town of Swampscott" included accusations that unnamed town officials made racist comments.

"I get frustrated with this individual every meeting we have with the stuff that comes out of his mouth," Board of Health member Emily Cilley said at Wednesday's forum. Cilley did not identify the person she was referring to.

The joint meeting of the Board of Health and selectmen came after Selectman Don Hause was accused of making disparaging comments about the Black Lives Matter movement. Hause, who has denied making the comments, is now being targeted by a recall effort.

Previous stories on Patch:

• Swampscott Selectman: I Misunderstood Term 'White Privilege'
• Swampscott Selectman: I Have No Ill Will Toward Bartender
• Bar Bans Swampscott Selectman, Rehires Bartender
• Bartender Fired After Facebook Post About Swampscott Selectman

During the forum, health board member Stephanie Goodman said residents had told her about hearing town officials refer to the coronavirus as "poo-flu," "Kung Fu flu" and "Chinese coronavirus." Goodman said the health board sees racism as a public health crisis in Swampscott.

Members of both boards signaled a zero-tolerance stance on racism, but no votes were taken.

"This is not about political correctness, it is about appropriateness, especially from the leaders in this town," Selectmen Chair Peter Spellios said.

Clarification: The second paragraph of this article has been modified to make it clear that Board of Health member Emily Cilley did not specify the person she was referring to when she made her comment.

Dave Copeland covers Swampscott and other North Shore communities for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).