Historic $7.25M Verdict Highlights Backlash Against Black Police Chief's Diversity Push

A Black officer from the Alexandria Police Department has received an extraordinary $7.25 million in compensatory damages following a jury's validation of his allegations of racial discrimination. Delton Goodrum, who has served with distinction since 1996 and is notably the first Black motorcycle officer in the department, contended that racial bias hindered his promotion opportunities when contrasted with his white colleagues. Despite consistently high performance reviews and a solid ranking, Goodrum was overlooked during a contentious captain selection process, raising alarms about equity in department leadership. A strong backlash from some peers led to the suspension of this promotional procedure. The jury's ruling underscores systemic challenges faced by Goodrum, who insists his struggles reflect broader issues. The city intends to appeal, stirring further dialogue on the department's diversity initiatives.