SFMTA fosters culture of racism and harassment, former worker alleges in trial

Elias Georgopoulos, a former SFMTA employee, has filed a lawsuit alleging a culture of racial and disability discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation within the agency's parking division. He claims that Shawn McCormick, the current director, targeted minority-heavy neighborhoods for parking citations, stating that McCormick believed residents "don’t know how to fight City Hall. " Georgopoulos also reported workplace harassment, including racial slurs and derogatory remarks about his disability. The SFMTA denies these claims, asserting that Georgopoulos himself engaged in misconduct. The trial commenced on April 25, 2025, and is expected to last several days, with both sides presenting opening statements.

Former deputy director James Lee testified that McCormick regularly patrolled targeted neighborhoods, supporting Georgopoulos's allegations. The agency contends that Georgopoulos received formal warnings for his own behavior, including yelling at subordinates and violating body camera policies. McCormick is scheduled to testify later in the trial.