Two Black police officers from Seattle have filed lawsuits against the City of Seattle, claiming they faced years of racial harassment, discrimination, and unfair treatment at work.
These lawsuits highlight serious issues inside the Seattle Police Department (SPD), raising concerns about racism and a hostile work culture that many say has existed for a long time.
What the Lawsuits Are About
Officers Michael Griffin and Corey Foy each filed separate lawsuits in King County Superior Court. They say they were repeatedly targeted because of their race while white officers were treated better, even when they did the same things or made similar mistakes.
Officer Griffin has served with the SPD for over 30 years. He claims he was mocked for being Black, accused unfairly of sleeping on duty, and compared to suspects in offensive ways.
At one precinct, his photo was put up in place of a Black suspect’s mugshot with jokes written on it. This photo stayed on the wall for weeks near a sergeant’s desk. He says this was deeply humiliating.
Griffin also described being verbally abused by a member of the public during a call, where an older white man repeatedly used the N-word.
Even though Griffin stayed professional and calm, he says he was punished by his superiors instead of being supported. He was also asked offensive questions like whether “his people grew tails after midnight.”
Despite his experience and qualifications, Griffin says he was denied promotions and extra work opportunities that white officers with similar or lesser credentials received.
Officer Corey Foy’s Story
Officer Foy also says he faced years of abuse and racism at work. One day in 2021, he wore workout clothes before his shift began. A white officer, A.J. Marks, reportedly mocked him in front of others, saying he looked “like a damn thug.”
When Foy asked if he looked better after changing into his uniform, Marks repeated the insult. Foy made a formal complaint, and although Marks was found to have behaved unprofessionally, the department did not say his actions were racially biased.
Foy described other troubling incidents, including one where a white sergeant’s mother said, “Wow, I’ve never met a brother before” at a police event, followed by laughter directed at Foy. He says he was later accused of being angry because of a personal relationship issue, which he says was false and inappropriate.
Foy believes he was unfairly transferred, treated harshly for small mistakes, and spoken badly about by his supervisors. He says he was denied overtime and other chances to grow in his career, even when his job evaluations were positive.
Common Pattern of Discrimination
Both officers reported being told by their supervisors to “suck it up” instead of filing formal complaints. They say the city and department failed to address their concerns, violating state laws that protect workers from discrimination and emotional abuse.
Their lawsuits aren’t the only ones. In recent years, the Seattle Police Department has faced several legal challenges from officers—including women and senior staff—who say they were bullied, harassed, or discriminated against because of race or gender. Earlier this year, the city settled a similar case from a Black police captain for nearly $1 million.
What Happens Next
The city has until September 2025 to respond to these lawsuits. Discovery (the process of gathering evidence) must be finished by March 2026, with a trial set to begin in April 2026 if no settlement is reached before then.
The officers are asking for damages and legal orders that will force the police department to make real changes and prevent future discrimination.