Housing authority disciplines employees behind ill-worded letter

The Boston Housing Authority has disciplined two employees over a letter sent to residents that implied parents may find better lives for their children outside Boston.

“I am convinced that all of the folks involved are truly sorry, I would say despondent,” said William McGonagle, administrator of the BHA. “I have every confidence that this kind of grave miscommunication error is not going to happen again.”

Last week, the Herald reported a letter was sent to thousands of Section 8 voucher holders, promoting a program that would allow them to move to other areas. But the letter said the program may be right for parents who want their children “to grow up in a lowcrime environment with good schools.”

The letter, which some called insulting, was posted online and sent to nearly 3,000 households.

The BHA said two employees were disciplined, including one who was suspended. Oversight over the program was also transferred. The BHA said the employee whose name was on the letter was not disciplined.

“He did not see potential negative implications of the language that was used, until after the fact,” McGonagle said. “He is, as with other people involved, extremely sorry, and regrets how this was interpreted.”

McGonagle said those who were disciplined was aimed at improper vetting and an approval that flouted department protocols.

“It’s the lack of appropriate vetting in a communication this important,” he said.