East Lansing council votes to release probe that found no policy violation by City Manager Robert Bellman as residents demand firings and accountability

The East Lansing City Council voted unanimously May 21 to waive attorney-client privilege and authorize the release, with permitted redactions, of a Nov. 20, 2025 independent investigation into harassment complaints against City Manager Robert Bellman.

Mayor Eric Alman read the findings during the special meeting, saying the city retained outside investigators from the Miller Canfield law firm in October 2025. "After a thorough investigation, the independent investigators found no violation of city policy or law by City Manager Bellman, but recommended that he receive leadership training," Alman said. He added that the complainant, identified in council remarks as Erica Zedzik Hernandez, remains employed by the city and that the city had followed policy in conducting the review.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment in which multiple residents demanded personnel action, greater transparency and a review of police training. "We cannot allow a culture where officers are protecting each other instead of the people to persist," said Abby Taki during the public comment period, urging an employee wellness survey and a review of training protocols.

Several speakers tied the controversy over the city manager to concerns about public safety and a recent officer-involved shooting. Caller Patrick Rose, who said he had watched fleet and body camera footage, called the footage "absolutely devastating" and urged council members to view the videos before the report was released. "I will never unhear the sounds of his voice as he died," Rose said of the shooting victim, Isaiah Kirby, and questioned whether later rounds of fire were justified.

Other commenters urged immediate removal of Bellman and Police Chief Jen Brown. "You have the opportunity to do the right thing and to terminate his employment immediately," one speaker said, recommending that DEI Director Ela Hardy be appointed interim city manager. Another caller said the council should put Bellman on administrative leave while a fuller investigation proceeds.

Council discussion after public comment struck a balance between concern for employees and respect for process. Councilmember Whan said he "begins by believing" victims of sexual assault and emphasized the importance of due process and proper HR procedures. Councilmember Singh encouraged employees who feel they are in a hostile work environment to consult the HR director.

The council first moved into closed session to consult with city attorneys under the Michigan Open Meetings Act and then returned to open session before taking the vote to waive privilege and release the report. The motion to waive privilege was made by Mayor Eric Alman and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Griggsby; roll call votes recorded Councilmembers Whan, Singh, Griggsby and Alman as voting yes. Councilmember Meadows was excused.

The released report, as described by Alman, concluded investigators found the allegations did not amount to a policy or legal violation but recommended leadership coaching for Bellman. The council authorized the report's release with permitted redactions under applicable law; the administration indicated the report would be made public the following day.

The meeting closed with calls from residents for further accountability and with the council urging any employees experiencing harassment to come forward to HR so the city can investigate additional claims. The council adjourned following the vote.