Headline Roundup • December 15th, 2023
Boston Mayor Defends 'Electeds of Color' Holiday Party
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended the city's "Electeds of Color" holiday party after invitations were mistakenly sent to white councilors.
The Details: On Tuesday, Wu’s office emailed the City Council inviting them to an annual "Electeds of Color Holiday Party." Minutes later, a staff member sent a second message apologizing for the gaffe and saying she sent the email to everyone by accident. Wu's office reportedly has plans to host a separate event for all elected officials and members of her cabinet on a different day. Seven of the 13 members of Boston's city council are white.
Key Quotes: "There are many, many events that are private events for all different sorts of groups, and so we’ve clarified that and look forward to seeing everyone at one of the other dozens of opportunities to celebrate the holidays together," Wu said.
How the Media Covered it: Left-rated outlets often focused on quotes from city councilors, white and non-white, who said the mistaken invitation didn't bother them. Some right-rated outlets highlighted a quote from Councilman Frank Baker saying he wasn't "offended" by the rescinded invitation but finds the party "divisive." Fox News (Right bias) said Wu "apologized for causing offense with a holiday party invitation that excluded White people." Associated Press (Lean Left) said Wu "is defending her decision to host a holiday party for elected officials of color." AP also said the controversy comes amid "pushback by conservatives against so-called diversity, equity and inclusion efforts around the country."
Featured Coverage of this Story
Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images
Boston's Democratic mayor has apologized for causing offense with a holiday party invitation that excluded White people.
Michelle Wu drew criticism Wednesday after her aide sent a holiday party invite to all members of the Boston City Council for an "Electeds of Color Holiday Party," even though seven of the officials are White.
Wu told reporters on Wednesday that the invite was not meant to be sent to White council members, who had their invitations rescinded about 15 minutes after the original email was sent.
"We had individual conversations with everyone so people...
TANNER PEARSON FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
The news about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu holding an “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” has stirred a good deal of controversy. Here’s what you need to know.
On Tuesday, an email went out from Wu’s office to the full City Council, inviting them to an annual “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” at the Parkman House, the city-owned mansion on Beacon Hill.
But about 15 minutes later, a Wu administration staff member sent out a second message apologizing for the gaffe, according to copies of the emails obtained by NBC 10 Boston.
“I wanted...
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is defending a holiday party for elected officials of color after an invitation was accidentally sent to all City Council members instead of the intended six.
The email was rescinded within about 15 minutes. Wu admitted that the email was not meant for the larger group.
She did not apologize Wednesday when questioned by reporters and did not cancel the party but did reiterate the email was only intended for a small group of the city council. Wu said it was an honest mistake by her team.
Councilman...
AllSides Picks
.webp)
Blog
A Hollow Song for a Hollow President: Reclaiming the Real Patriotic Ballads
Guest Writer - Left
June 23rd, 2026
Red Blue Translator
