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$375,000 Settlement Reached in Racial Discrimination Suit against California DOC
A $375,000 settlement was reached in a racial discrimination suit against the California Department of Corrections (CDOC).
Kevin Robinson began working for CDOC on January 1, 1999, at Pleasant Valley State Prison. In April 2006, Robinson’s supervisor, Sgt. Steve Hosman, began making abusive, racially motivated statements such as, “If I wasn’t with the Department right now, I would be back home killing niggers.” The comments became so outrageous that Robinson became emotionally distraught and believed Hosman may place his life in danger, creating a hostile work environment for Robinson. When Robinson made a complaint, the investigator, Sgt. Fogel, informed him the complaint was over and assigned Robinson to again work under Hosman’s supervision. The harassment continued until February 23, 2006, when Robinson was forced to accept a ten day suspension in retaliation for his complaint.
After exhausting all administrative remedies, Robinson filed suit, raising claims of racial discrimination, racial harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress. The case was settled on October 24, 2008 with Robinson and his attorney, Diane Mancinelli, receiving $375,000.
See: Robinson v. California Department of Corrections, California Superior Court, Fresno County, Case No: 07CECG01707 (2007).
Kevin Robinson began working for CDOC on January 1, 1999, at Pleasant Valley State Prison. In April 2006, Robinson’s supervisor, Sgt. Steve Hosman, began making abusive, racially motivated statements such as, “If I wasn’t with the Department right now, I would be back home killing niggers.” The comments became so outrageous that Robinson became emotionally distraught and believed Hosman may place his life in danger, creating a hostile work environment for Robinson. When Robinson made a complaint, the investigator, Sgt. Fogel, informed him the complaint was over and assigned Robinson to again work under Hosman’s supervision. The harassment continued until February 23, 2006, when Robinson was forced to accept a ten day suspension in retaliation for his complaint.
After exhausting all administrative remedies, Robinson filed suit, raising claims of racial discrimination, racial harassment, retaliation, and emotional distress. The case was settled on October 24, 2008 with Robinson and his attorney, Diane Mancinelli, receiving $375,000.
See: Robinson v. California Department of Corrections, California Superior Court, Fresno County, Case No: 07CECG01707 (2007).
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Related legal case
Robinson v. California Department of Corrections
| Year | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Cite | California Superior Court, Fresno County, Case No: 07CECG01707 (2007) |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Damages | 375,000.00 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |