Judge dismisses officer's discrimination suit

KALAMAZOO (AP) - A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer who said he was passed over for special assignments and promotion because he is white. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports there was little doubt that David Moran, who was with the department since 2006, had the qualifications for the job. Circuit Judge Pamela L. Lightvoet, however, ruled that race didn't play a role when he wasn't promoted. His lawsuit blamed "deliberate attempts to tilt the playing field in favor of minority candidates at the expense of well-qualified and experienced white officers." The city, in response, denied any wrongdoing. Moran's discrimination lawsuit filed last year sought $25,000. It says Moran was denied a bomb squad assignment in 2011 and promotion to sergeant in 2013. Published: Tue, Sep 23, 2014