What Happened
Andrew C. Freeman, former VP at East Baltimore Development Inc., sued Mayor Brandon Scott, the city council, and EBDI claiming racial discrimination. He alleges he was fired less than two weeks after his 2024 promotion on orders from Scott's office to make room for Black ex-officer Karen Major Johnson. EBDI CEO Cheryl Washington texted Freeman the decision wasn't hers and she felt horrible about it.
Why You Should Care
Reverse discrimination lawsuits like this could kill off DEI programs everywhere, changing hiring rules at jobs you might apply to.
📚 The Basics
DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, which companies and governments use to boost hiring of underrepresented groups like Black women who've faced historical barriers. Critics say some DEI goes too far by favoring race over merit, violating civil rights laws that ban discrimination against any race. Reverse discrimination claims argue it's illegal to fire or pass over qualified white people just to hit diversity targets.
🧠 Look Smart At Dinner
Say This
The text from the CEO admitting it wasn't her call but the mayor's office proves this wasn't subtle bias—it was a direct order.
Context
Freeman's promotion followed the firing of a Black woman, which reportedly upset Scott, who prioritizes opportunities for Black women as admin policy.
Avoid Saying
'DEI can never be discriminatory' — it absolutely can if it explicitly disadvantages people based on skin color, as courts have ruled before.
The Approved Opinion™
“We need DEI done right to address real inequities without creating new forms of discrimination against anyone.”
