A Bakersfield fire captain, Edgar Quincy Sloan, has won a $700,000 lawsuit against the city and its fire department for race discrimination and retaliation.
Sloan and his lawyer addressed the city council on Wednesday, urging officials not to appeal the verdict. Despite their plea, Sloan’s attorney indicated that the city plans to challenge the decision.
Sloan, who has served the Bakersfield Fire Department for over 30 years, was the first Black firefighter to top the eligibility list for battalion chief. However, he was passed over for promotion, with others ranked below him being chosen instead, Sloan’s attorney said.
Sloan said he faced discrimination and harassment, stating, “Even through those difficult times, my commitment to this city has never wavered.”
The lawsuit, filed five years ago, alleged multiple instances of discrimination based on race and religion.
A jury returned the verdict last week. Sloan’s attorney emphasized that the verdict is about “accountability, integrity, and respect,” urging the city to honor the judgment and bring closure to Sloan.
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The Bakersfield City Attorney’s Office did not respond to requests for comment.