Pa. Police Pay $67,500 Settlement in Race Suit

A retired black police officer who filed a racial discrimination suit against the Pa. state police will get a $67,500 settlement.

Retired Lt. Billy Williams sued state police in 2003. In his suit, Williams said racism at his Mercer County barracks forced his transfer twice. He said caricatures of him were drawn next to the words “Negro” and “afro” in the dictionary, black ink was scrawled on the knob of his office door and his tires were slashed.

According to the deal, the state must pay Williams $67,500. The deal was reached after a jury had been selected for the trial.

Pennsylvania State Police officers did not admit liability under the deal. The police said Williams’ job performance, not his race, negatively impacted his career.

Information from: The Herald, http://www.sharon-herald.com