Florida State Courts, Civil Rights Violations, Florida 2024 – State Courts to Pay $160,000 in Damages

WASHINGTON – In a shocking turn of events, the Florida State Courts have agreed to pay $160,000 in damages to a former employee who was retaliated against for helping a user with limited English proficiency (LEP) and a defendant who filed a complaint with the Department of Justice under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The agreement comes after an investigation by the Department of Justice found that the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida took retaliatory action against the former employee, in violation of Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance and prohibits retaliation against individuals who participate in protected activities under Title VI, such as filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.

The Department found that the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida illegally terminated the employee for helping a user with LEP and for helping a defendant who filed a complaint with the Department of Justice under Title VI in regards to language access services.

"This settlement sends a message that those who defend fundamental civil rights, such as the right to meaningful access to our justice system, must be able to do so without fear of retaliation," said Kristen Clarke, the Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. "The Civil Rights Division will continue to investigate allegations of retaliation against individuals who, with courage, stand up to others to hold them accountable for complying with the laws that we enforce. I commend the Florida State Courts for committing to address these illegal retaliation and prevent their recurrence."

The execution of Title VI is one of the Civil Rights Division’s top priorities. For more information about the Civil Rights Division, visit www.justice.gov/crt-espanol and for more information about LEP and Title VI, visit www.lep.gov. Members of the public can also report potential civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.

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