Worcester City Manager Eric Batista Addresses Investigation into Councilor Thu Nguyen’s Transphobia Allegations on Talk of the Commonwealth

Worcester City Manager Eric Batista joined the Talk of the Commonwealth on the Radio Worcester Network to discuss the administration’s role in responding to City Councilor Thu Nguyen’s allegations. Nguyen has charged that misgendering and transphobia from fellow councilors have created a hostile work environment, leaving them afraid to attend council meetings. Nguyen also announced a month-long hiatus from attending council meetings.

Batista stated that when the administration received Councilor Nguyen’s complaint, an investigation was initiated. He emphasized that regardless of the investigation’s findings, the administration has no authority to discipline a city councilor, as the council operates as an autonomous body separate from the administration. Batista further explained that he chose not to have his staff handle the investigation, opting instead to bring in outside counsel to conduct it.