Broward County Sued Over Race-Based Contracts
In 2007, Broward County, Florida, was sued over so-called reverse discrimination in awarding government contracts and responded by suspending a program that “required bidders share part of their contracts with businesses owned by women and minorities.” (Source)
Apparently, the suspension didn’t go far enough. Last week, two transportation service companies filed suit against the Broward County Commission in federal court, accusing the government of using race to award contracts. An excerpt:
“In the new lawsuit, the two companies allege they were paid a lower rate than other transit firms between July 2007 and February 2008 because the county would not execute a contract with them without affirmative action requirements…Commissioners voted last February to terminate all paratransit contracts and sought new bids, this time with a requirement that 12 percent of the service go to disadvantaged businesses.”
Late last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit voided a law that established a five percent quota to award defense contracts to so-called disadvantaged small business owners. The decision could very well invalidate 8(a) of the Small Business Act contracting programs.
Let’s hope more “reverse discrimination” plaintiffs prevail in 2009. The old standby justification for set-asides – to right a long series of wrongs that have accumulated over generations – don’t hold up anymore, considering the plethora of opportunities that are now open to all Americans.
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Vilma Belen-Pettorino
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 at 5:24 am
While the mainstream (anglos) have enjoyed all of the benefits of America discriminating while they can, suddently to try to help the minorities is considered discrimination or unfair. If the minorities (any) start sueing the anglos for discrimination we will never finish. We are American citizens, and my family have suffered discrimination. We see it all the time, but we keep on figthing. My African American friends were an example for me, nevertheless, it keeps on happening. Furthermore, the employees make racial comments that go unpunished and if you say something to defend the employee, you are also fired. Our wages are lower than other employees wages, and we don’t get the supervisory positions as often either. I have seeing the discrimination at all levels. I hope that the lawyer defending this case can successfully win the case for the small businesses. I hope that when they compare the percentages of business that are owned by the majority, they can prove the case.