Jury Rules Alabama Captain’s Termination Lawful

An Alabama jury has found that the city of Mobile did not wrongfully terminate or retaliate against a fire captain who was dismissed in 2022. Captain Rodrick Shoots was terminated and another captain, Jason Craig, was disciplined following the termination of a probationary firefighter.

Both captains as well as the probationary firefighter filed suit alleging race discrimination. The probationary firefighter also claimed gender discrimination, sexual orientation discrimination, religious discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation. The case focused on a tattoo she has on her head and neck that violated departmental policies. Her case was dismissed last November. Captain Craig’s case was dismissed last year as well.

Following his termination by Mobile, Captain Shoots was hired at Fire Chief in Prichard. The cases have been covered here previously as follows:

• Mobile Firefighter Terminated Over Tattoo Files Discrimination Suit
• Two Mobile Captains File Suit Claiming Race Discrimination
• Mobile Prevails in Tattoo-Related Discrimination Case

Here is more about the jury verdict in Chief Shoots’ case.