Jury awards California woman $15 million after supervisor called her n-word

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FRESNO, Calif. — A federal jury awarded La‑Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson, an African American former Fresno code enforcement employee, $15 million after finding the city liable for racial discrimination and retaliation. The jury also awarded $400,000 to her white co‑worker, Charles Smith, who supported her claims and faced retaliation.

Years of Complaints Lead to a Landmark Verdict

Wilson’s case stemmed from a long pattern of alleged harassment inside Fresno’s code enforcement division, reports The FresnoBee. She joined the department in 2004 and reported that her supervisor Howard Lacy exhibited open hostility toward Black employees. She alleged he mocked Black culture, made racist remarks, and even defaced a photo of President Barack Obama on her desk.

Although she filed repeated complaints, Wilson said the behavior continued. She settled with the city in 2012, but the workplace issues persisted after she returned from a 2013 layoff. She was rehired in 2016 following a legal threat.

Escalation and Retaliation Claims

Tensions intensified in 2018. Smith testified that Lacy reportedly called Wilson “an entitled n—-” during a conversation and repeatedly instructed him to avoid her. Smith refused and was reassigned to a less desirable unit.

Wilson said the city’s internal investigation failed to address the racial abuse. Instead, investigators labeled her behavior “aggressive” after she reacted emotionally to learning about the slur. She received a 30‑day suspension in 2020 and was fired in 2022.

Smith later quit, calling his reassignment retaliatory. Both employees filed suit, arguing that Fresno ignored years of documented harassment and punished those who spoke up.

Ten‑Day Trial Ends With Major Damages

After a 10‑day federal trial, jurors unanimously sided with Wilson and Smith. They found that Fresno failed to protect employees from discrimination and retaliated against those who reported misconduct. The verdict totaled $15.4 million, including Wilson’s $15 million award and Smith’s $400,000 award.

Wilson said the decision validated her experience. She emphasized the personal cost of working under hostile conditions, noting the toll on her health and family. Smith called the verdict “justice.”

“They’re exposed. They made me seem like I was an angry black woman stereotype,” Wilson said to GV Wire after the verdict. “I’m so glad that the jury saw past that.”

City Weighs Appeal as Questions Grow

City officials said they are reviewing the verdict and may appeal. Fresno leaders acknowledged the financial impact on taxpayers but stressed that the events occurred under a previous administration.