Black man in NYC who failed teacher’s test many times will receive over $2 million in compensation after court determines test was racist
In an astonishing turn of events, a black man in New York City has been awarded over $2 million in supposed lost compensation plus interest after repeatedly failing a mandatory teacher’s test that a court later deemed racially biased. Herman Grim, 64, of Queens, received this substantial sum as part of a series of judgments that could cost NYC more than $2 billion. ( 📄 Gigi Hadid Arrested on Drug Charges in Cayman Islands After Smuggling Marijuana in Her Luggage ) ( 📄 Record heat wave: Phoenix breaks mark for longest streak of 110-degree days ) The judgments are a result of the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test, which had a significant “disparate impact” on black and Hispanic test-takers compared to their white counterparts, leading to a class-action lawsuit filed against NYC’s Board of Education in 1996. Despite years of legal battles, the city eventually capitulated, leaving Grim with the largest judgment yet.
Grim’s journey is a tale of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing repeated failures on the teacher’s test, he refused to give up on his dreams. ( 🔗 Trolls accuse mum of being “a Monster” for lasering port-wine stain birthmark on her baby’s face ) After being unable to secure a teaching career, Grim established and ran a preschool business for two decades, demonstrating his determination and resilience. Eventually, he passed the current certification exam, becoming a special education teacher in Harlem. His success is both a testament to his resilience and a poignant reminder of the barriers many individuals of color have had to overcome in pursuit of their ambitions.
The lawsuit has far-reaching consequences, with as many as 5,200 failed test-takers potentially receiving judgments like Grim’s. The city’s taxpayers are now burdened with the financial fallout of the lawsuit, including payouts and fees that amount to staggering figures. This raises questions about the city’s handling of the situation and whether better alternatives could have been pursued from the outset. ( 📄 Portland police dismissed serial killer fears after the deaths of six women. Then came a chilling connection ) While some argue that hiring the failed test-takers would have been more cost-effective, others maintain that standards must remain consistent and based on qualifications, not on race. (theblaze.com) (nypost.com)
The lawsuit’s resolution sparks intense debate over the role of testing and standards in the education system. While it is essential to ensure that tests are fair and unbiased, it is also crucial to maintain standards that prioritize the quality of education for students. Striking this balance remains a challenge, especially in the context of historical inequalities that have disadvantaged certain groups. The outcome of this lawsuit highlights the complexity of addressing systemic issues and the need for comprehensive reforms in the education system.
As this extraordinary saga unfolds, it invites reflections on societal progress and the journey toward equality and justice. The resolution of this lawsuit represents both a victory for those who have fought against discrimination and a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a fair and inclusive society. The story of Herman Grim and others like him serves as a rallying cry to continue advocating for equitable opportunities and dismantling systemic barriers that impede individuals from realizing their full potential.
What are your thoughts on this complex and emotional case? ( 📺 ‘Like It Left a Stain’: Video of White Man Wiping Off His Arm After Man Who Appears to be Blind Reaches Out for Aid Sparks Conversation About the Lack of Humanity Toward Black People ) Share your perspectives and insights in the comments below, as we grapple with the intricate issues of racial bias, education, and justice in our society.
