Madison is launching an investigation after complaints were made against Norman Davis, the city’s Department of Civil Rights director, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The news comes six months after 10 unnamed employees accused Davis of misconduct, discrimination and harassment.
Davis, whose duties include promoting equity, inclusivity and respect across city operations, allegedly discriminated against female employees and those with disabilities. He is also accused of retaliating against staff who challenged his actions.
Dan Rolf, president of the Madison Professional and Supervisory Employee Association, on Nov. 14 wrote a letter to Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway that accompanied the 37-page complaint. In the letter, he states that Davis’ behavior “created a hostile work environment,” resulting in high turnover and undermining the department’s “mission to promote equal rights.”
Madison agreed to hire a third-party investigator — which could cost as much as $30,000 — to look into the matter. Erin Hillson, the city’s Human Resources director, said “the city emphasizes the presumption of innocence and due process throughout the investigation” and that there are “currently no sustained complaints against Director Davis.”
Davis, who continues to head the department and will not be placed on leave during the investigation, said he is confident he will be cleared and plans to fully cooperate. “I have a very personal commitment to our work and serving our community through the mission of the Department of Civil Rights,” he said.
