Overview
- Linda Batts, hired in 2019 as DPW’s first director of equity, filed a federal complaint on Monday against the City of Baltimore and its Department of Public Works.
- The lawsuit claims DPW leaders obstructed her oversight efforts and terminated her in March 2021 after she escalated reports of discriminatory practices and internal corruption.
- Allegations include systemic racial discrimination, a hostile environment for Black workers at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant, and women being denied access to restrooms at some facilities.
- The complaint states the city provided no specific justification for her firing beyond saying it was moving in a different direction.
- The Mayor’s Office said the city and DPW remain committed to equity and will reserve comment because the matter is in litigation.