In a decision dated July 5, 2011, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission upheld a judge’s opinion finding high level managers of the U.S. Postal Service’s operations in Baltimore conspired to discriminate and retaliate against John Knott.  At the time of the discrimination, Mr. Knott was employed as the Manager of Distribution Operations for the Baltimore Processing and Distribution Center.  He believed he was being treated discriminatorily by a co-worker of a different race, which culminated in her striking him with a heavy piece of equipment.  After complaining of race discrimination, Mr. Knott was subjected to harassment, including but not limited to: a meritless and biased misconduct investigation, threatened with unwarranted termination, and classification of him as being absent without leave, even though management had received and returned to Mr. Knott unopened his documentation supporting his request for sick leave.

After holding a hearing, an EEOC Administrative Judge issued a blistering decision finding that Mr. Knott was discriminated against because he is white and that there was a concerted effort by Postal Service management to retaliate against him for complaining of race bias.  The presiding judge’s opinion commented “In all my years of being an administrative judge, which is quickly approaching 25 years, I have never seen such a cover-up, a conspiracy, and lack of credibility by agency officials as … in this matter.”  To underscore the flagrant abuse by Postal Service management, the Judge found, “Everybody lied … In fact, only one witness, and that is [Mr. Knott] do I find at all credible in this matter.” 

LeiLani Hart, lead counsel for Mr. Knott stated, “John has endured a great ordeal and was courageous in fighting these despicable acts.  He is pleased with the Commission’s decision but also hopes the Postal Service does the right thing and takes disciplinary action against those responsible.”

In its decision, the EEOC awarded Mr. Knott $158,715.72 in damages plus 27 months of back pay.  Additionally, as the discrimination and harm perpetrated by management was so great, the EEOC ordered the Postal Service pay Mr. Knott front pay for a period of two years.

Gary Gilbert, an attorney representing Mr. Knott stated, “This decision is a warning to managers who believe they can cover-up and conspire to discriminate.  What is most shocking to me is the fact that to the best of my knowledge these senior managers are still working for the Postal Service drawing large salaries.”

For more information or a copy of the EEOC’s decision contact LeiLani Hart (301) 608-0880

Press Release