Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Steve Simpson says the black troopers who are alleging discrimination won’t meet with agency officials.
And, he said the group hasn’t provided any documentation to support their claims.
“Right now, it’s just yelling from the rooftops,” said Simpson who met Thursday with a legislative committee that investigates state offices.
The state NAACP has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of the 208 black troopers who work at the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The group is alleging racial slurs, denied promotions and other unfair practices.
Simpson said he first learned of the allegations in October when the troopers sent an anonymous letter to Gov. Haley Barbour. Within the week, he had appointed a panel made up of three attorneys to look into the matter.
