The $5,000 un-apology

by: ACLU of WV

Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:42:30 AM EST

by: ACLU of WV

On May 5th, 2006, a young black man named Ivan Lee II was subjected to a humiliating roadside search by the South Charleston Police Department. He responed by asking for an investigation into the incident and an apology. When the South Charleston Police Department did not respond, the ACLU of WV sued on Mr. Lee's behalf.

Nearly three-and-a-half years later, the City of South Charleston has decided to settle the case for $5,000 and the standard round of political posturing.  City officials now claim it would be irresponsible to spend taxpayer money on the case.

Well, City of South Charleston, if that is your position, why didn't you just give the kid the apology he asked for over three years ago?