Local News in Brief : Glendale Clears Way for Racial Bias Suit
The Glendale City Council has rejected a racial prejudice claim against the city by a black police officer who had earlier testified against the city in a federal discrimination trial.
The council Tuesday routinely rejected a $3-million claim filed in September, 1987, by Justus Knight Jr., 26, a Glendale police officer for six years, who alleged that he was the victim of repeated racial harassment and violations of his civil rights.
Knight, who has been on unpaid sick leave since June, was one of three black officers who provided key testimony during a federal trial last year that led to a ruling that the department had discriminated against a Latino officer. Knight said racially derogatory cartoons were posted in police offices.
He complained that, after he testified, racially oriented harassment increased.
The other two officers have also filed discrimination claims against the city. The claims denial clears the way for Knight’s attorney to sue the city for discrimination.
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