Nebraska prison guards’ bias lawsuit settled for $777,000

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http://www.omaha.com/news/crime/nebraska-prison-guards-bias-lawsuit-settled-for/article_0d3d8719-c707-5161-bcf1-c24f55a13fa8.html

POSTED: SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2014 1:00 AM
By Paul Hammel / World-Herald Bureau

LINCOLN — Five state corrections officers who said they were subjected to taunts and discrimination because they are African-American were granted a $777,000 settlement by the State Claims Board on Friday.

The settlement, which must get final approval by the Legislature next year, follows an out-of-court settlement last week between state lawyers and an attorney for the guards.

“Obviously, we’re pleased,” said Lincoln attorney Jeff Downing, who represented the guards, including one who still works for the state.

The five guards — Aaron Delaney, Jaryl Ellis, Michael Hunter, Tiffany Johnson and Paul Zeiger — contended in their federal lawsuit that it was common for staff members at the State Penitentiary who aren’t black to make racially based taunts and jokes as they reported for roll call.

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