DISCRIMINATION

U.S. DISTRICT COURT, FORT LAUDERDALE

A federal jury cleared the Broward Sheriff's Office of allegations of reverse discrimination brought by Deputy Frank Voudy. He was passed over for promotion to sergeant in September 2013 and July 2014. He alleged Sheriff Scott Israel was attempting to foster diversity by promoting two African-Americans who were less qualified than him. He claimed violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and state law.

Israel countered that Voudy had been disciplined more often than the other two officers. He also argued one of the promoted officers had a better performance evaluation than Voudy and both had special certifications Voudy lacked. The jury found Voudy's race was not a motivating factor in the sheriff's office's decisions.

Case: Voudy v. Israel