MASCOTTE, Fla. — Channel 9 obtained video of a deposition in which a city manager admits he used racially-charged terms in front of an African-American employee.
That employee is now suing Mascotte City Manager Jim Gleason.
In the deposition, Gleason said he did it to educate those around him and he used certain words to describe black people because he wanted his co-workers to learn about racism.
He also is accused of using racially-charged terms when discussing the Trayvon Martin shooting.
“It was a conversation that was being had based on current events,” Gleason said.
He was recently questioned under oath after employee Alana Wilson sued the city in federal court because Gleason allegedly used racially-charged words around her in the workplace.
Wilson’s attorney asked Gleason about that accusation in a videotaped discussion.
“Do you think it’s appropriate to use the term ‘pickaninny’ in front of an African-American person?” asked Wilson.
“In the right context. In the context it was used,” said Gleason.
He claimed he was trying to educate Mascotte employees on racism in America.
“Having a discussion at work about those items unsolicited is not appropriate, especially for a public defender,” said attorney Derek Schroth.
“I was deeply sorry if it came across that way and if that’s how it was interpreted. That is not how it was meant,” said Gleason.
Last year, Wilson filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The agency found probable cause that discrimination existed.
In a statement to Channel 9, Gleason said, “The attorney representing Ms. Wilson wants to litigate this matter in the press. I don’t have anything to say until the matter is resolved in court.”
In the deposition, Gleason was asked if the City Council objects to his performance as a city manager.
“No, because they know me. That’s why I got a 5-0 vote on a new contract,” Gleason said.
When asked if the lawsuit has changed the way he communicates at work, Gleason said yes.
The videotaped deposition is set to be played in court.
WFTV
