Updated 02/07/2011 09:07 PM
FDNY Employee Says Noose Was Left By His Locker
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The Fire Department is looking into allegations of racism leveled by an African-American employee who says he found a noose in front of his locker.
Electrician Gregory Seabrook says he discovered the noose when he arrived at FDNY headquarters in Brooklyn Thursday.
The incident comes after Seabrook and four other minority electricians filed complaints against the department, saying they were passed over for promotions, plum assignments and overtime.
Seabrook's lawyer says after nearly 20 years with the department, the timing is suspect.
"We have our first African American president so it should be a proud moment. And now in this day and age, that this would be in my workplace. It’s disappointing. It really is disappointing," Seabrook said.
"The mind and the heart that took the time to fashion this token of hatred is not the type of mind or heart that’s going to be open to general opportunity, to advancement based upon merit, to advancement or promotion based upon ability," said Attorney Howard Shafran.
Seabrook's attorneys say the noose has an added meaning because it also includes a monkey fist knot. They say the knot was invented in the 1800s to tow boats but was later used as a weapon to flog slaves.
The City Law Department says it takes discrimination complaints seriously, and is investigating.
In 2005, African-American firefighter Lanaird Granger filed a complaint after finding a noose at his Brooklyn firehouse.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found in his favor, but no one was ever disciplined. Granger later sued the city for racial discrimination.