Tulsa Police union request for trial turned down

(Tulsa-AP) -- A federal judge rejects a Tulsa police union's request for a trial in the lawsuit alleging racial discrimination at the police department. <br><br>The Fraternal Order of Police asked

Thursday, December 12th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A federal judge rejects a Tulsa police union's request for a trial in the lawsuit alleging racial discrimination at the police department.

The Fraternal Order of Police asked US District Judge Erik Sven Holmes to discard a settlement the city and black police officers have reached.

But Holmes agreed with the city and the plaintiffs that the union would have the same opportunity to air its opposition during the normal process for handling settlements. Holmes set a January 21st fairness hearing.

The city and black officers reached the agreement last week. The FOP objected -- saying the settlement implies Tulsa police officers are racist.

The Black Officers Coalition sued the city in 1994. The lawsuit claims a hostile work environment and discrimination in hiring and promotions.