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JJChambers

(1,115 posts) Sat May 31, 2014, 07:12 AM May 2014

Jury awards white Police Lieutenant 1.35m in racial discrimination lawsuit [View all]

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP)– A Long Island police lieutenant has been awarded $1.35 million in his racial discrimination lawsuit against the village of Freeport.

Lt. Christopher Barrella, who is white, had accused the village of awarding the police chief’s job to a Hispanic officer with few qualifications and a lower test score.

Following the federal jury’s decision Wednesday, Barrella described the process as trying but said he always had faith in the jury system.

“It’s really a good feeling to be validated, and I am incredibly appreciative that the jury saw it my way,” Barrella told 1010 WINS’ Mona Rivera.

...

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/05/30/white-police-lieutenant-awarded-1-35-million-in-racial-discrimination-lawsuit/

I'm pretty surprised by this verdict, considering the long-held views that institutional racism cannot apply to whites.

15 replies

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Highlight:

Jury awards white Police Lieutenant 1.35m in racial discrimination lawsuit [View all] JJChambers May 2014 OP

That's a hefty settlement... Ballast_Point May 2014 #1

I'm not sure JJChambers May 2014 #2

That's not institutional racism, that's a police force trying to cover it's ass by hiring out of ... uponit7771 May 2014 #3

I could see for other promotions, maybe, but chief? Lee-Lee May 2014 #4

It sounds like there was a testing and interview process JJChambers May 2014 #6

That doesn't change that the Chiefs position is a political hire Lee-Lee May 2014 #9

Political or not, I don't think racial discrimination should be allowed. JJChambers May 2014 #10

This is one institution gollygee May 2014 #5

The idea that racism requires an institution is relatively new... Ballast_Point May 2014 #7

Do you think the idea has merit? Or is it BS? JJChambers May 2014 #8

Institutional racism is certainly a thing.. Ballast_Point May 2014 #11

In Florida, underqualified people are always getting promoted to jobs. Baitball Blogger May 2014 #12

What you know means little compared to who you know :( JJChambers May 2014 #13

Or more to the point, "are you willing to look the other way for the "right" people." Baitball Blogger May 2014 #14

It was an unfortunate mistake, yes, but I don't think it was institutional racism, IMO. AverageJoe90 May 2014 #15