June 8, 2004
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
Destin Civil Rights Case Resolved
TALLAHASSEE — A civil rights investigation of Destin Water Users, a public water and sewer service provider in Destin, has been resolved, Attorney General Charlie Crist today announced.
Two employees, Darrick Hall and Todd Oranje, reported that they were exposed to a racially hostile workplace and retaliated against for filing complaints with the Florida Commission on Human Relations and with company management about racial harassment. The types of behavior included frequent and regular racial slurs, the placement of a noose in the work area of an African-American, and denial of work opportunities. These violations of Florida’s Civil Rights Act allegedly occurred between August and October 2002.
"Forcing individuals to tolerate racial slurs and then to retaliate against them for making lawful complaints is deplorable," said Crist. "Thankfully, we have resolved this matter in the best interests of all concerned."
The agreement provides for payment of $320,000 in damages to the former employees and payment of $60,000 to the Attorney General’s Office for legal fees and costs. In addition, Destin Water Users has agreed to modify its personnel procedures for employees filing discrimination complaints. The new procedures enable employees to "bypass" management and take their complaints directly to a member of the Board of Directors. The procedures also make the use of racial slurs in the workplace a disciplinary offense as serious as theft, intoxication at work, or insubordination.
Crist said the company took the matter seriously and changed the circumstances that lead to the problems. This cooperation contributed to the success of the investigation and settlement process.
In May 2003, Crist resolved a similar case against the owners of the Destin restaurant Hobo Depot. The owners agreed to pay an African-American military officer $105,000 and to not operate a bar or restaurant for five years.