New leadership, digital access mark changes at state civil rights agency
BOSTON ― Massachusetts is overhauling how discrimination complaints are handled, with new leadership and a shift to online case filing, according to the the state's Commission Against Discrimination.
The details were shared in its 2025 annual report , which was issued Tuesday.
Michael Memmolo became the commission's first executive director on July 1, and the agency released revised workplace harassment guidelines — their first update in nearly two decades.
"(It) was an incredible year of growth and transformation for the commission," Memmolo wrote in a letter included in the report.
The report highlighted legislative changes proposed by Gov. Maura Healey and adopted in the 2026 budget that changed the commission's leadership structure, and required the executive director position and the hiring of a chief financial officer.
Memmolo described the changes as laying the groundwork for a "generational transition."
In 2025, the commission handled 3,243 new complaints statewide, including cases about job discrimination and housing bias. The agency also provided 311 anti-discrimination training sessions to more than 6,700 people.
While the report doesn't show local numbers, advocates say the changes will help people in Springfield, Holyoke and in rural towns where in-person services are harder to reach.
In addition to policy changes, the commission — which has offices in Boston, Springfield and Worcester — expanded its outreach, participating events around the state, like the Springfield Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference, and the Boston Pride Parade.
These and other initiatives reflect the agency's commitment to educating residents across Massachusetts about anti-discrimination laws and the protections they provide, Memmolo wrote.
The commission also launched a resource guide, mapping state agencies that address discrimination and hate crimes, a tool that helps residents navigate a complex system.
The commission had a $13.16 million budget last year but still faced money problems, which delayed hiring and caused spending cuts. The agency wants more funding in 2026 to keep improving and reduce case delays.
Looking ahead, the commission also plans to implement its new online case management system, expected to roll out in this spring.
This system will allow residents to file complaints and track cases digitally — another first that could reduce delays for complainants from Western Massachusetts who previously faced travel barrier, Memmolo wrote.
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