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Judge Weighs Evidence in Landmark Case Challenging Trump Administration’s Alleged “Ideological Deportation” of Noncitizen Scholars

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BOSTON — A lawsuit spearheaded by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) against the Trump administration’s immigration policies reached a crucial phase on Monday as closing arguments were presented. With the judge now tasked with reviewing the trial’s evidence, including numerous sealed documents, a final ruling is anticipated in the coming weeks. The case, which originated in April, alleges that the federal government specifically targeted noncitizen students and faculty members for arrest and deportation in retaliation for their pro-Palestinian views, an action the AAUP contends is a violation of the First Amendment. The organization … Read more

Judge Upholds $15 Million Racial Discrimination Verdict Against Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Denies Appeals for Retrial and Reduced Damages

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A local judge has refused to grant the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office a new trial or to reduce a $15 million jury award in a racial discrimination case that concluded in February. The decision came after a court hearing on Tuesday, during which Sheriff Chad Scott and his legal team argued the jury’s findings were not supported by credible evidence. Wes Gay, the attorney representing the sheriff’s office, claimed that no reasonable jury would have sided with the allegations of retaliation or discrimination, contending that the jury’s decision was influenced by emotional … Read more

Judge Overturns $127K Award for New Bedford Officer in Retaliation Case, Sparks Appeal and Controversy

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A Bristol County Superior Court judge has recently nullified a jury’s verdict that required New Bedford to pay $127,000 to former police officer Macaila Saunders, who claimed she faced retaliation after reporting allegations of gender discrimination. The city challenged the jury’s decision, citing issues with procedure and insufficient evidence. Saunders, a former homicide detective in New Bedford who now serves as a school resource officer in Swansea, filed her lawsuit in 2021. Initially, she accused the city of both gender discrimination and retaliation. However, the gender discrimination charge was later dropped, leaving only the retaliation … Read more

Judge Throws Out Jury Verdict in High-Profile Retaliation Case Against New Bedford Police Department

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NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A Bristol County judge has reversed a jury’s finding that a male police officer had retaliated against a former female officer who alleged gender discrimination. The ruling, issued on Monday, deemed that the jury’s decision could not be upheld due to insufficient evidence and the court’s failure to give appropriate jury instructions. The judge’s decision is a significant relief for the city, which was facing a potential payout of $127,000 in damages. However, Macaila Saunders, the plaintiff and former officer, plans to appeal this ruling to the state Appeals Court, prolonging … Read more