Edmonds police chief candidate sues, saying racism cost him job

EDMONDS — Sherman Pruitt’s job offer to become police chief of Edmonds was rescinded after a week. Now, he’s suing the city.

On Thursday, Pruitt filed a civil complaint in U.S. District Court in Seattle, alleging racial discrimination from the city of Edmonds, Mayor Mike Nelson and City Council member Vivian Olson.

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In 2020, Nelson chose Pruitt to replace retired Chief Al Compaan, picking him over longtime Edmonds officer and interim Chief Jim Lawless.

Pruitt, then the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe’s police chief, passed an initial background check and other screenings required of applicants. However, the suit alleges the city ran Pruitt through additional screenings, “holding him at a higher standard” than the other candidate, who is white. Pruitt identifies as Black, Filipino and Native American.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/edmonds-police-chief-candidate-sues-saying-racism-cost-him-job/