JASPER–Jasper Police Chief Rodney Pearson has filed a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the city of Jasper, alleging he has been and continues to be subjected to discrimination because of his race. Beaumont attorneys David and Cade Bernsen are representing Pearson. They said they intend to sue the city on behalf of Pearson if he receives a right to sue notice from the EEOC.
Pearson, Jasper’s first Black police chief, contends that he had to go through a rigorous mandatory background check in order to be considered for the police chief position – something no former chiefs and no other applicants had to do.
The city released that background check – which included Pearson’s personal information – to the public, the EEOC filing indicates. Pearson’s social security number and information about his family was not redacted.