Opinion ID: 1037766
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Officers’ Claims Under AS 18.80.220

Text: Alvin Kennedy and Eliezer Feliciano (the officers) were police officers with the Anchorage Police Department (APD) who sued the Municipality of Anchorage (the Municipality) for racial discrimination and retaliation. Kennedy is African-American, and Feliciano is Hispanic. They alleged that the Municipality violated state law because APD created a hostile work environment for the officers, in which they were treated disparately because of their races.1 The alleged discrimination includes racially-profiled traffic stops, disparate discipline for questionable investigative searches, hostile remarks and actions concerning the undercover clothing worn by minority officers, reassignment from other units, denial of performance pay increases and promotions, and a retaliatory police investigation. Both claim damages for mental anguish. In response to discovery requests from the Municipality, each officer stated how the alleged discrimination had affected him. Kennedy reported that he was “very 1 See AS 18.80.220(a)(1) (prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race). -2- 6809 angry, disappointed and occasionally sad.” He stated that his “trust levels [were] very low” and that he was “discouraged and disappointed” by the actions of the Municipality and APD. Feliciano stated that he was “disturbed” by the alleged discrimination. He elaborated: The conduct of the APD has given me the feeling that everything I have done throughout my career has been for naught. I feel sad, resulting in lower activity and feeling anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable and restless. I have experienced insomnia, fatigue, loss of energy, aches and pains, and a strained relationship with my wife and children. Both officers alleged that they had to retire because of the discrimination they suffered at APD. Both asserted that they had not sought any medical treatment or counseling, nor taken any medication related to their mental anguish claims.