Former DPW director sues Baltimore, claims she was fired for exposing civil rights violations

Linda Batts alleges she was terminated after speaking up about a 'severely hostile, retaliatory' work environment for Black employees and women at the Department of Public Works.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 10:07pm

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A former equity director with Baltimore's Department of Public Works is suing the city, claiming she was terminated after exposing systemic civil rights violations. Linda Batts said the city sought her out, but when she spoke up about what she saw, her concerns were ignored and she was fired.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers in municipal government, as well as the challenges faced by equity and inclusion officers tasked with addressing these issues.

The details

Batts' job was to identify civil rights issues in the workplace. Employees from the Bureau of Water and Wastewater and the Department of Solid Waste went to her immediately, characterizing their working environment as 'severely hostile, retaliatory, akin to a pre-Emancipation Proclamation, colonial plantation-type environment.' Batts claimed Black employees were subjected to a racially hostile environment, while women were denied equal access to restrooms. She said employees faced retaliation when they spoke up about these issues.

  • Batts served in the equity director position from 2019 to 2021.
  • Batts was terminated shortly after escalating her complaints about the alleged discriminatory practices.

The players

Linda Batts

A former equity director with Baltimore's Department of Public Works who is suing the city, claiming she was terminated after exposing systemic civil rights violations.

Thiru Vignarajah

Batts' attorney, who said the issues she raised are ongoing and systemic.

Clarence Thomas

Vice president of AFSCME Local 44, who stood by Batts' side as she announced her lawsuit against the city.

City of Baltimore

The defendant in Batts' lawsuit, who the Mayor's Office said remains committed to equity, inclusion, and compliance with all applicable laws.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen a situation like this before.”

— Linda Batts, Former equity director, Baltimore Department of Public Works

“These employees, almost universally, through working in two different departments, characterized their working environment as severely hostile, retaliatory, akin to a pre-Emancipation Proclamation, colonial plantation-type environment.”

— Linda Batts, Former equity director, Baltimore Department of Public Works

“There's absolutely no question that there are a thousand ways that the tragedy of Ronnie Silver could have been avoided. Ms. Batts was sounding the alarm.”

— Thiru Vignarajah, Batts' attorney

“I have felt the systematic racism. I've been counted with that. I've been pushed back. Everything she talked about, I have encountered.”

— Clarence Thomas, Vice president, AFSCME Local 44

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on a future date whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination and retaliation against whistleblowers in municipal government, as well as the challenges faced by equity and inclusion officers tasked with addressing these issues. It underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in addressing systemic civil rights violations in the workplace.