Two Black employees from Denver have launched a legal battle against the city, alleging they were forced to participate in a Taser training exercise under racially discriminatory conditions. The lawsuit claims that while white colleagues were excused from the drill, the plaintiffs were singled out as 'volunteers'.
Details of the Controversial Training
The incident occurred during a mandatory workplace safety training session where participants were instructed on Taser use. According to court documents, the plaintiffs—both longstanding city employees—were repeatedly targeted to act as 'volunteers' for painful demonstrations, while their white counterparts were allowed to decline participation.
Allegations of Racial Bias
The lawsuit highlights disturbing details, including instructors allegedly joking about the pain threshold of Black individuals during the exercises. One plaintiff described being subjected to multiple Taser exposures despite visible distress, while white colleagues watched without being required to participate.
City's Response and Legal Implications
Denver officials have acknowledged receiving the complaint but declined to comment on ongoing litigation. Employment law experts suggest this case could set important precedents regarding racial equity in workplace training programs across municipal governments.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for emotional distress and are calling for systemic changes to Denver's employee training protocols to prevent future incidents of alleged discrimination.
