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Ex-Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Employee Sues For Discrimination
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 30, 2011
Modified May 30, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 30, 2011
Modified May 30, 2011
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A former Brooklyn Botanic Gardens employee has filed a suit alleging race and age discrimination in federal court. 47-year-old Anthony Quarless, who worked there for 28 years and was the BBG's head of security, claims that he was pressured to hire a white subordinate in favor of an equally qualified black applicant, was directed to investigate crimes committed by blacks but not whites, and was forced to punish a black employee differently than a white one, The Post reports.
In this last instance, a white intern who was caught swiping coins from a fountain was merely "suspended," while a black employee who was "caught swiping cash from the gift shop was not only fired, but marched through the front lobby in handcuffs." This seems especially out of balance because those coins are people's dreams and wishes. Quarless has a masters degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and oversaw 30 guards. He contacted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2009 to complain, and was fired in July of 2010, he says in part because of his age.
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brooklyn botanical gardens
discrimination
racism
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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