The NAACP accused one Taylorville city official of creating a hostile work environment through homophobic and racial slurs at Monday night’s city council meeting. NAACP Springfield Chapter President Teresa Haley told the city council that their organization has received reports of a Taylorville department head using the derogatory remarks in the workplace.

Taylorville mayor Bruce Barry responded to her report by saying he has never heard the person use any of those terms, nor has he had any union representative or employee report any issues to him.

Tuesday morning, Taylorville Human Relations Manager Cindy Brown told Regional Radio News that she had also never received any complaints or grievances about the employee’s conduct.

Haley told the council that the NAACP is not just to promote racial equality, but the equality of all people. She said their appearance at Monday’s meeting was to make sure everyone is treated with respect and dignity.