Metro Arts Commission grapples with allegations of inequity and tokenism from staffers

At a meeting Thursday, Metro Arts commissioners discussed the findings of human resources reports that revisited complaints from former employees.

The complaints — filed by women of color — detail an environment of fear, retaliation and tokenism inside Metro Arts over the last couple of years. They were filed by Cecilia Olusola Tribble, who worked for Metro Arts from 2015 until 2019, and Lauren Fitzgerald, who worked for Metro Arts from 2014 until 2020.

Members of the Metro Arts Commission, which oversees the department but doesn’t have much say over daily operations, seemed receptive to the critiques brought up by current and former staffers.

“It’s clear from the fact finder reports and the public comment, that we’ve harmed people,” said commissioner Ellen Angelico. “And we may not have violated any rules, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t do something wrong.”

Both Tribble and Fitzgerald allege that during their time with the department, they were unfairly treated and eventually forced out of their positions. Both reached out to Metro HR in 2021 to file formal complaints, which prompted HR to interview former and current staffers.

After their investigation, HR ruled in “fact finder” reports that Metro Arts did not violate departmental policies in either of the cases, but leadership could improve their communication style, as well as clarify expectations for employees who are put on performance improvement plans. Both Tribble and Fitzgerald were put on performance improvement plans, which Fitzgerald characterized as “a concerted effort to coach me out of my position.”

In response, Tribble and Fitzgerald submitted public comment to the commissioners challenging details in HR’s findings. Fitzgerald said the report lacked context and implied that she was “belligerent and untrustworthy.” And Tribble wrote that, even though the department didn’t violate policies, its internal culture does not live up to its public statements on racial equity.

“It should disturb us all that the practices that create such a toxic and psychologically violent environment … are within the bounds of Metropolitan Nashville Government policy,” Tribble wrote.

Then, this week, a third employee came forward with similar allegations.

“The Metro Arts Commission has failed in its commitment to equity,” current Metro Arts employee Janine Christiano wrote in her complaint. “Senior white leaders have created a toxic organizational culture that has been intimidating and harmful to me and others working on racial equity issues.”

Christiano’s complaint will be investigated by Metro HR.

Continued support for Metro Arts director

At Thursday’s meeting, Metro Arts commissioners agreed that improvements to the work environment are needed. And Metro Arts vice chair Matia Powell said she is heartened that commission members seem dedicated to making changes and creating a more welcoming Metro Arts department.

Metro Arts’ director, Caroline Vincent, was not present at the meeting despite being named in several of the complaints. Commissioners, who oversee Vincent’s position, voiced support for her.

“I think she has tried to right some wrongs. She’s dealing with a lot of stuff,” said chair Jim Schmidt. “So I want to acknowledge her work to do that and try to repair what needs to be repaired. I think that needs to be said, as well as acknowledging the feeling of the other women.”

The commissioners will determine actions steps at their next meeting. Their recommendations include training for Metro Arts management, a review of performance improvement plans, and bringing on a diversity equity and inclusion consultant.