Justice for Two Troopers: A Racial Bias Verdict in Texas

A federal jury in Austin decided that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) had treated two black state troopers unfairly, awarding them almost $1. 7 million in damages. The case was brought by Jerald Sams and Jari McPherson, who said they were routinely overlooked for promotions, faced harsher criticism, and were denied opportunities that their white colleagues received. Sams had applied for a mounted patrol sergeant role in 2020 and claimed that, despite leading over 400 horse‑mounted details and authoring the unit’s standard operating procedures, he was denied the promotion. McPherson worked in criminal investigations and argued that his evaluations were stricter, he was punished more severely, and a vehicle and squad assignment went to a less‑qualified white trooper.The jury found that the DPS had created a racially hostile environment and engaged in discriminatory practices, concluding that the agency routinely held black troopers to higher standards. The $1. 6 million award signals that the agency’s pattern of bias was recognized by a federal court, suggesting that other lawsuits may follow. Legal experts say this verdict could prompt reforms in DPS and similar state agencies, potentially reducing institutional racism and its spillover into other biases such as disability or gender discrimination. Sams has retired, while McPherson remains with the department. DPS has declined to comment on the case.