Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Council are facing a lawsuit filed by Andrew C. Freeman, a former vice president of East Baltimore Development Inc. (EBDI). Freeman alleges that he was unjustly terminated from his position due to racial discrimination.
The lawsuit, submitted on Monday, claims that Freeman was dismissed shortly after his promotion in June 2024, allegedly under the influence of the mayor’s office, which he argues is biased against White individuals in a predominantly Black workplace.
Freeman asserts that Cheryl Y. Washington, the President and CEO of EBDI, acknowledged in text messages that his firing was not her decision. In a message dated June 10, 2024, Washington reportedly expressed regret over the decision, stating, "I feel HORRIBLE!!"
According to the lawsuit, Freeman believes that Mayor Scott was displeased with his promotion, particularly following the dismissal of a Black woman from the same organization. He contends that EBDI's claims of performance-related issues were fabricated after he threatened to file a discrimination charge.
The lawsuit further argues that Freeman’s termination reflects a broader trend within the Scott Administration, which allegedly prioritizes certain racial minorities and women at the expense of others based solely on race. It claims that the administration's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have led to discriminatory practices against individuals like Freeman.
Freeman is seeking financial compensation for his termination, as well as a permanent injunction to prevent further discriminatory practices and measures to address past discrimination.
As of now, the mayor’s office and EBDI have not provided comments regarding the lawsuit, while the Baltimore City Council has declined to comment.
Reported by HarborBeat based on 930 WFMD Free Talk (source).
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