Black Family Settles Bias Suit Against New Jersey Town

An African-American family has reached a second settlement with a New Jersey shore town for more than $100,000 in a racial discrimination lawsuit.

Doretha Waters-Rice, her son and granddaughter sued Sea Isle City, its police department and school board in 2004. They alleged both children were subjected to racial slurs by teachers and that the girl was excluded from a Christmas play because of her race. Waters-Rice was the legal guardian of her granddaughter.

The suit also claimed police officers responded to Waters-Rice’s complaints by filing false criminal charges against her.

The suit against the city and police was settled in July for $550,000. On Friday, the family settled with the school defendants for $120,000.

The family has moved from Sea Isle City.