The University very strongly disagrees with today’s jury finding in Fresno that the University discriminated against three police officers because they were white. The University’s administration believes it was fully justified in the actions it took related to these employees. Over nearly a three-year period the court methodically dismissed a series of different charges made against the University. However, a jury ruled today that the University discriminated against three police officers on the job because they were white. The University’s administration doesn’t believe that occurred and will be considering an appeal of this verdict by the jury.
The attorneys representing the University have serious questions about both the nature and amounts of the awards — especially the substantial awards for “emotional distress.” That may be part of the basis of an appeal. The University views these awards as exorbitant and unreasonable.
The University does not discriminate against anyone and closely monitors all of its hiring and personnel practices to ensure fairness. The University’s administration continues to view its actions in this case as legitimate and justified.
Specific awards by the jury were: Steven King: $300,000 for economic damage and $1 million for emotional distress. For Richard Snow: Zero dollars for economic damage and $1.2 million for emotional distress; and for Daniel Horsford, $250,000 for economic damage and $1.5 million for emotional distress.
All three served in the campus police department. King was a lieutenant who had been promoted to Fresno State’s Assistant Director of Public Safety; Snow was a sergeant and Horsford was a corporal.
