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Features
Jury Awards Former USF Registrar $310,500 Verdict
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
In December 2015, Mrs. Angela DeBose, a former Registrar at the University of South Florida, filed a lawsuit. In the lawsuit, she alleged that she was the victim of “an invidious scheme to termi- nate” her, discrimination, and retaliation.
On September 26th, after a trial that lasted more than two weeks, a federal jury ruled in her favor. She was handed down an award of $310,500.
Mrs. DeBose said, “In the Judy Genshaft era, Blacks were systematically re- moved from university lead- ership. Eventually, there was no one to offer the Black per- spective around the Presi- dent’s cabinet. In defense of its reputation, USF points out that two African Americans serve on its Board of Trustees. However, the mis- treated Blacks forced out of USF do no regard such to- kenism and have called upon USF to make significant changes.”
Mrs. DeBose further stated that she hopes her vic- tory “serve as the wake-up call that USF, its board, and cabinet need.” While the in- stitution has much to offer, she said those attributes are diminished by “a climate or cultural shift sometime in 2000 where the environment became more threatening to people of color, using intimi- dation and fear. “Too many idly stood by or looked on as USF was run like a planta- tion.”
Unfortunately, Mrs. De- Bose doesn’t believe USF will change. “They have learned nothing from the law- suit. They remain driven by racial animosity and vindic- tiveness. It is my under- standing they plan to appeal.”
Mrs. DeBose said she will continue her fight and hopes that a new external president will bring or de-
mand change. “The new
MRS. ANGELA DEBOSE
president should find it unacceptable that USF was willing to vio- late federal and state laws and its own policies to dis- criminate and retaliate against me, and others like
me.
“In the search process,
each candidate should be evaluated on his/her perspec- tive about racial diversity; what happened to me and others like me is tragic.”
She joined the staff of the University of South Florida in 1988, as a Computer Pro- grammer/Analyst. For the next 8 years, she received promotions and progressed in her role. In 1996, she was given a written employment contract to serve as the Uni- versity’s Registrar.
She was terminated in May 2015.
When contacted by the
Sentinel, Adam Freeman, Director of Media Relations at the University of South Florida said, “We are pleased the jury recognized the Uni- versity of South Florida’s le- gitimate, non-discriminatory reasons to remove Ms. De- Bose from her position. However, we respectfully dis- agree with the finding that USF retaliated against Ms. DeBose in any way. USF val- ues inclusion and diversity, and we strive to maintain a welcoming and collegial envi- ronment.
“We look forward to vigor- ously pursuing an appeal in this case.”
Civil Rights Activist Appointed To Board Of ‘Ruth’s List Florida’
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Last month, State Sena- tor Arthenia Joyner, a Democrat from Tampa, A Civil Rights pioneer and po- litical trailblazer, was ap- pointed to the board of Ruth’s List Florida.
Ruth’s List is a political organization designed and committed to recruiting qualified pro-choice women candidates to seek political office. The organization came into existence in 2008.
Senator Joyner said, “I am very happy to join the Board of Directors of Ruth's List. Not only because it rep- resents the chance to con- tinue public service, but because this pioneering or- ganization is dedicated to en- suring that ALL members of the public are truly served.
“I look forward to contin- uing that mission, and help- ing women take their rightful position in our democracy representing the citizens of Florida.”
Senator Joyner has served as a trailblazer, break- ing numerous racial and gen- der barriers. After receiving her J.D. from Florida A&M
SENATOR ARTHENIA JOYNER
University College of Law in 1968, she became the first Black woman to serve in Tal- lahassee since Reconstruc- tion, the first Black woman to practice law in Hillsborough and Polk Counties, and she remains the longest practic- ing Black woman lawyer in the history of Florida.
Pamela Goodman,
President and CEO of Ruth’s List Florida, said. “Ruth’s List Florida is honored and thrilled to add the Honor- able Arthenia Joyner to our organization’s strong leadership.
“She has served Florida citizens throughout her life, but women especially have benefited from her wisdom, courage and determination
for equal and civil rights. Her contribution to our team is going to be a priceless addi- tion.”
Senator Joyner has been at the forefront of Florida’s Civil Rights battles since 1960 when she partici- pated in a demonstration while a student at Middleton High. Her activism contin- ued at Florida A&M Univer- sity, and on into the national arena, when she was arrested in 1985 at the South African Embassy in Washington, D.C., protesting apartheid.
Senator Joyner is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) Lifetime Achievement Award, the President’s Award from Florida A & M University, and the Hillsbor- ough County Women’s Hall of Fame.
Senator Joyner has also been honored by the Democratic Caucus in the Florida Senate, and the Hills- borough County Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa-Hillsborough Li- brary Board recently named its new $9.3 million library in her honor.
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