Metro Arts Commission says it’ll take steps to deal with allegations of inequity and tokenism inside the department

The commission that oversees the Metro Arts department says it’s trying to improve the department’s work environment, after former and current staffers of color filed HR complaints alleging inequity and tokenism.

Commissioners voted to hire an outside consultant to work with the staff on diversity, equity and inclusion, in hopes of rebuilding relationships within the agency, and with the community.

Additional leadership training will be recommended for managers, and the department will continue to collaborate with Metro HR’s DEI staff.

There will also be review of performance improvement plans, which some former staffers felt were used punitively instead of as a tool for growth.

Commissioner Matia Powell says the final recommendation is perhaps the most important. There will be a review process in three months to see what progress has been made.

“We’ve got to earn some trust back here,” Powell says. “People have got to know that we’re actually serious about this work. And part of that is really being transparent about what we’re doing.”

Last month, Metro HR released two “fact finder” reports that reviewed complaints from former staffers Cecilia Olusola Tribble and Lauren Fitgerald. Both women say they had negative experiences with the department’s leadership, were put on performance improvement plans and ultimately left the department feeling as though they were pushed out.

While HR’s review found there were no explicit policy violations, commissioners still agreed that changes should be made.

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

Metro Arts gives grants to dozens of individuals and institutions around Nashville, holding them to high standards for their equity and diversity efforts. Commissioners say these changes are the first steps towards ensuring the department itself lives up to those same standards.