Facts

Defendant Professional Security Consultants hired plaintiff Brian C. King, an African-American, as a security guard at the Westfield Shopping Center in San Francisco. Plaintiff and three other African-American employees alleged that Westfield Shopping Center's personnel and management referred to African-American employees as "thugs," "pit bulls," and "ghetto security."

On Sept. 16, 2002, plaintiff and the three other African-American employees wrote reports to defendant claiming that Westfield Shopping Center's personnel and management were racially discriminating against them.

On Sept. 20, 2002, Smalley suspended plaintiff for the purported reason that defendant had received numerous complaints regarding plaintiff's use of excessive force.

On Oct. 1, 2002, defendant terminated plaintiff's employment.

Injuries

Emotional distress.

Result

Verdict for $24,000 ($18,000 economic damages; $6,000 non-economic damages), plus $73,125 attorney fees and costs of $5,873.

Other Information

FILING DATE: June 9, 2005.