Minneapolis swears in new Department of Civil Rights Director Michelle Phillips

The City of Minneapolis has sworn in it's new Department of Civil Rights Director.

Michelle Phillips previously served as the inaugural Inspector General for the City of Oakland, and as a Deputy Inspector General in Baltimore.

Phillips says she's ready to take on the challenges of the role.

"Minneapolis is resilient and so is the Department of Civil Rights," Phillips explained. "We may not always agree, but we will move forward. We must move forward. I will continue to utilize the efforts that  have been made in civil rights, all the divisions, as we start to move the department in a positive direction."

The appointment comes after the city parted ways with the previous director, Alberder Gillespie, in February.

Phillips was sworn in at City Hall Tuesday morning. She said she's ready to work on a new path forward for the city.

"Acknowledging the pain that has permeated throughout the city is important but identifying a path forward to healing," says Phillips. "That is tangible solutions and sustainable impact. As we move forward, I believe that Mayor Frey's administration and the City Council have the same vision."

Some of the duties Phillips will be tasked with include enforcing the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, and investigating discriminatory practices.