South Bend Mayor James Mueller has issued a formal apology after a newly released Reparatory Justice Report concluded that Black residents faced decades of systemic discrimination in housing, employment, education, health care, and access to public services.

The South Bend Common Council voted on Monday night to accept the findings of the 138-page report.

During the meeting, Mueller acknowledged the documented history of racial inequities and apologized for the city’s role in those practices.

The report outlines 62 recommendations aimed at addressing the long-term effects of discrimination. Mueller said several initiatives are already being explored or implemented, including efforts involving affordable housing, financial literacy programs, and environmental improvements.