From The Boston Globe · · 1m 20s
Boston Water Commission Pays $1M for Retaliation
Suffolk County jury orders Boston Water and Sewer Commission to pay $1 million for retaliating against Black employee after discrimination claims.
In brief
Suffolk County jury orders Boston Water and Sewer Commission to pay $1 million for retaliating against Black employee after discrimination claims. Boston Water and Sewer Commission must pay $1 million to former employee Terrance Williams for retaliation after he sued alleging racial discrimination. Originally reported…
Jury Verdict
Suffolk County jury ordered Boston Water and Sewer Commission to pay $1 million to former employee Terrance Williams for retaliation after he filed discrimination claims.
“The jury rejected Terrance Williams’s claims that the commission discriminated against him because he is Black, but found it retaliated against him for bringing those claims”
Williams' Claims
Williams, a Dorchester resident with over 30 years at the commission, alleged systemic underpayment and undervaluation of Black employees.
“Williams worked for the commission for more than 30 years. He filed the civil lawsuit in 2022, alleging he was repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of white co-workers who were less qualified and less experienced”
Termination
The commission fired Williams in May 2025 after he filed his discrimination lawsuit in 2022.
“The agency fired Williams in May 2025”
Verdict Details
The jury awarded $400,000 in punitive damages for 'extreme and outrageous' retaliation, plus $600,000 in compensatory damages.
“Because the jury found that 'the commission’s retaliation was extreme and outrageous,' the verdict included a $400,000 award for punitive damages”
Attorney Statements
Williams' attorney called the verdict 'an important result' that demands city and state leaders address discrimination and retaliation in public agencies.
“Williams’s attorney, Nick Carter, said the verdict is an 'important result' that affirms that the commission 'really needs to be looked at by city and state leaders on discrimination and retaliation issues'”
Commission Response
The commission's attorney claimed Williams falsely accused the agency of discrimination and will appeal the retaliation claim.
“In a statement Friday, the commission’s attorney, Brian T. Kelly, said, 'Mr. Williams falsely accused the BWSC of discriminating against him, and we are pleased the jury rejected both racial discrimination claims and found no liability on either one'”
What Happens Next
The commission plans to appeal the verdict, arguing Williams was terminated for working a second job with the sheriff’s department.
“He added that the commission will appeal the verdict on the retaliation claim 'because it is ridiculous to work a second job for the sheriff’s department while you’re on the clock for the BWSC and that’s why he was fired'”
The big picture
Boston Water and Sewer Commission must pay $1 million to former employee Terrance Williams for retaliation after he sued alleging racial discrimination.
