A racial discrimination suit brought by an African-American employee of Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton was settled last week after a trial held at Federal Court in Islip.
Malry Tardd of Quogue sued Brookhaven Science Associates who operate the Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Mr. Tardd's complaint says management intentionally discriminated against him because of his race and the complaint says the Laboratory did nothing to prevent racially motivated attacks.
Previously Mr. Tardd filed a complaint of racial discrimination in hiring and promoting practices with the New York State Division of Human Rights.
After a settlement was reached with the Lab in 2001, Tardd says he experienced retaliatory attacks by fellow workers. Photos submitted as evidence showed a hangman's noose hung over Tardd's office door and a hat with the label "K K K" worn by fellow employees.
Tardd alleged that the Lab failed to investigate these and other incidents and that his supervisors along with the Laboratory's middle and top management who were co-defendants conspired to keep him from advancing.
Otto White, a black scientist and former Lab employee, who supported Tardd in his dispute with the Lab's management is also suing Brookhaven in a separate case.
Mr. Tardd's case went to a jury trial at Federal Court in Islip early this month.
Last week the case was 'settled to everyone's satisfaction' according to Tardd's attorney, Frederick Brewington. A public affairs spokesperson at Brookhaven Lab agreed but had no comment. Apparently the terms of the agreement preclude a statement from either side.
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From a report filed for WPKN/WPKM News.
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