Inkster, MI

Inkster, MI: (Aug-23-07) Diaz, a Hispanic Inkster police lieutenant, brought a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the city racially discriminated against him in 2004. Diaz, 40, had worked for the city for 18 years. He filed the lawsuit against the city in federal court in October 2004, claiming that preferential treatment was given to black job applicants in terms of hiring and promotions. He applied for the job of chief of police in 2003, commander in 2004, and deputy chief in 2006. In a taped deposition, former City Manager Robert Gordon admitted to seeking out a black Ann Arbor patrolman who used to work for city to apply for the job before another applicant was hired. Diaz had already moved up the ranks to lieutenant at the time the patrolman was approached. Gordon also admitted race was a key factor in the city's choice of a chief in 2003 in the deposition.

The jury found on Feb. 14, 2007 that the city discriminated against Diaz. A claim of retaliation because of the lawsuit was not proven. In a settlement reached, a $224,799 jury award was entered. Including payouts from the city liability insurer and risk manager, a final settlement was reached in the case, which resulted in a more than $400,000 verdict against the city. [JOURNAL NEWSPAPER: POLICE DISCRIMINATION]

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Published on Aug-25-07