Minneapolis police officer's racial discrimination case may go to trial

Last update: July 2, 2008 - 11:43 PM

A Minneapolis police officer who sued the department last year will be able to take his discrimination case to trial, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Sgt. Giovanni Veliz sought legal action after the city's civil rights department found last year that the Minneapolis Police Department had discriminated against him based on race. U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle ruled in his favor after two days of oral arguments on whether the case should proceed.

Veliz's attorney, John Klassen of Minneapolis, said Wednesday that the decision sets a timely precedent. The ruling comes as the department is also being sued by five black officers making similar discrimination allegations.

"Sergeant Veliz is pleased at the opportunity to have his claims heard by a jury," Klassen said. "Hands down, this is a significant win for all officers of color in the department."

Nearly three years ago, Veliz made claims that he had been harassed and passed over for promotions because he questioned the department's compliance with a federal agreement to improve police-community relations.

A settlement conference between the parties is scheduled for Sept. 9.

A police spokesman declined to comment Wednesday on pending litigation.

TERRY COLLINS

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