Day 12 of SFMTA trial After only minutes, jury awards zero damages in harassment case

The jury unanimously ruled that former parking control officer Elias Georgopoulos was not harassed based on race or disability while employed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA). The verdict came after only two hours of deliberation, which included a lunch break, indicating a swift decision by the jurors. Georgopoulos had filed a lawsuit nearly four years prior, claiming he faced discrimination and harassment from his colleagues due to his race, height, and visible limp from rheumatoid arthritis. However, witnesses testified that Georgopoulos himself had a history of harassing Black employees, casting doubt on his claims. The SFMTA expressed their commitment to accountability and welcomed the jury's unanimous verdict, which found no evidence supporting Georgopoulos' allegations.

Georgopoulos' attorney, Eduardo Roy, aimed for a multi-million dollar settlement but could not persuade the jury during his closing arguments. Roy's late arrival and erratic behavior in court may have affected his effectiveness, further complicating his client's case. The outcome highlights ongoing challenges in addressing workplace discrimination and harassment.