Towing company owner fined
By Andy Hoffman, The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In announcing her decision Monday, Administrative Law Judge
"Allison credibly testified at the hearing that she felt hurt, belittled and less human after Campbell refused service to her and called her a highly charged racial slur," Lockard wrote. "The evidence demonstrates (there was another witness) present when Campbell used the racial epithets."
Campbell denied using racial slurs during the incident.
"That's not what happened," Campbell said Monday. "This was a billing deal. I wasn't going to get paid if I towed it to a salvage yard. I didn't use racial slurs ... I just decided to go ahead and pay it (the fine), rather than keep dragging it through the courts."
Allison could not be reached for comment Monday.
The dispute centered on Allison wanting Campbell to tow her vehicle, which was not operable, to a salvage yard instead of an auto repair shop.
According to Lockard's 13-page opinion, the incident occurred in
"Allison had auto insurance through
"On at least 10 occasions prior to the date that gave rise to the complaint, Campbell was the business who Allison's insurance company contracted with to provide roadside assistance services to Allison, including towing."
On this occasion, when Campbell got to Allison's residence, she was not ready for the car to be towed but wanted a few more minutes to prepare. Campbell told her he "didn't have all day."
After a brief conversation, Campbell refused to tow her car, then used racial epithets against her as he left, according to a press release issued by
"Following a public hearing brought by the
Allison asked the court to order Campbell to pay
"There is no evidence regarding how long this incident impacted Allison, nor is there any evidence that Allison sought medical or psychiatric help as a result of the incident," wrote Lockard, an attorney with the
According to Townsend, the following incident led to the filing of the complaint with the ICRC:
"Ms. Allison hired
"
"
Campbell told Lockard he refused to tow Allison's vehicle because "the customer was not ready to have the vehicle moved and also misinformed the motor club of the tow destination ... I then left without providing service to her."
Townsend said the civil rights commission completed an investigation and took the case to a public hearing
"This case demonstrates two truths," Townsend said. "One, that racial discrimination is unfortunately still occurring within the state of
"Ms. Allison was committed to ensuring that others did not experience similar treatment and with the assistance of the ICRC, she succeeded."
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