Racial Bias Case Against New York Post Continues

The New York Post recently lost its bid to dismiss a racial bias lawsuit filed by a former editor for the paper, Sandra Guzman. Guzman argues that she was fired for complaining about racism and sexism in her working environment. Guzman is black and Puerto Rican, and claims that one of her senior executives referred to her as "Cha Cha #1."

One of the worst and most public allegations of racism against the New York Post came when a cartoon appeared in the paper showing police shooting a chimpanzee. As the chimp lie dead on the ground, the caption read, "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill."

Many felt that the cartoon was meant to be a direct reference to President Barack Obama. Obama was considered to be the primary force behind the stimulus plan, and comparing him to a monkey was reflective of the racially charged political climate at the time. Although editors denied the claims of racism, most of us could read between the lines.

I was happy to see Guzman file her suit against the New York Post. The post pushes quite hard to maintain its conservative disposition, which often appears to be racially divisive. The paper is owned by Rupert Murdoch, who also owns Fox News.

One thing that the Obama administration can do to help combat workplace racism is to make it easier for employees to sue their employers when they are victims of discrimination. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission can open the door for more black-owned media outlets, so that we are not all held hostage by the craziness we see on Fox.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.