MCAD Rules In Favor Of Black Worcester Officers

The City of Worcester could be forced to pay two black police officers millions of dollars after the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination ruled they were denied promotion nearly 20 years ago because of what it called racial bias within the department.

Officers Spencer Tatum and Andrew Harris have been officers since 1980 and 1987 respectively. They both passed the sergeant's exam in the early 1990s. They filed separate complaints with MCAD in September 1994.

The commission ruled in favor of the officers this week. The city has 30 days to appeal.

City Manager Michael O'Brien tells the Telegram & Gazette he will evaluate all options before deciding whether to appeal.

Lawyers for the officers say the men could be owed millions by the time damages, back pay and interest are added up.