reported<\/a> the New Haven Register.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn that lawsuit, employees say the \u201cn-word\u201d was often used, a white supervisor forced a black employee to clean his shoes and training and advancement opportunities were denied for employees of color. <\/p>\n\n\n
Although\nthe first lawsuit was withdrawn, workers claim the discrimination has only\ngotten worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s\nreally, really bad,\u201d John Williams, civil rights lawyer and attorney for the\naccusers told News 8.<\/p>\n\n\n
In the soon to be filed federal lawsuit, CTDOT is accused of fostering an environment of racial discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cConstant\nracial insults\u2026disparate treatment,\u201d Williams said. \u201cBoth Latinos and African\nAmericans were treated differently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
In the first lawsuit, according to the New Haven Register, Luis Ortiz, who is Latino; Michael Leo, who is white; and Tyquan Williams, who is black, were seeking damages and attorney\u2019s fees from the DOT and two supervisors.<\/p>\n\n\n
Attorney Josephine S. Miller, representing the plaintiffs in the first lawsuit said at the time, \u201cMost Blacks and Puerto Ricans are in fear of their jobs so that will not speak out against the racial slurs. Managers and supervisors… are around to hear these racial slurs but do not correct the situation.”<\/p>\n\n\n
Plaintiffs\nwere forced to withdraw the first lawsuit \u201cbecause there were some defects in\nthe way the previous lawyer had to go about filing it,\u201d Williams told News 8.<\/p>\n\n\n
The\nworkers are taking their issues to the State Commission on Human Rights before\nheading back to court.<\/p>\n\n\n
Williams\ntold News 8 that at least one of his clients is now the victim of retaliation.<\/p>\n\n\n
\u201cIn\nfact, at the moment he\u2019s on a paid suspension,\u201d Williams said.<\/p>\n\n\n
DOT leadership, Williams said, should be acting and ordering \u201csensitivity training at all levels within the agency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n
According to the article, News 8 reached out to CTDOT for comment but was only told \u201cno comment\u201d due to pending litigation.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\n\nSource: News 8 wtnh.com<\/em>, New Haven Register<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Workers with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) filed a discrimination lawsuit against the department, according to an article by 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