News

Town, building inspector hit with discrimination suit

By Donna Rich

ATHENS — Howard Hall Road real estate developer Joshua Harris has filed a lawsuit and a complaint against the Town of Athens accusing a town official of directing a racial slur at him.

Filed on April 24 with the New York State Division of Human Rights, the lawsuit claims an unlawful discriminatory practice occurred on April 16. Harris, who is black and of East Indian descent, is from Guyana. The complaint further charges discriminatory practices in relation to housing, in violation of New York state Human Rights Law Article 15, section 296.

The defendant is listed on the verified complaint as Town of Athens Code Enforcement Officer George Holsopple.

Harris is alleging that Holsopple told him that minorities are not wanted in the town of Athens. Holsopple has denied making the statement.

According to court documents, the basis of the discrimination includes race, color, national origin, retaliation and harassment.

Reader Comments

Submit a Comment