In 1993, Officer Lightner, an African American, filed an EEOC complaint alleging racial discrimination after being reassigned from his position as acting police chief to an office role with inadequate lighting. He claimed he was promised additional compensation that was never received and was paid less than his white predecessors and successor. Lightner also alleged that Mayor Herring usurped his authority by setting work shifts and purchasing supplies, duties now performed by the current police chief. After filing the EEOC complaint, Lightner was terminated on January 18, 1994. He filed a lawsuit against the Town of Ariton, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. The court found that Lightner established a prima facie case of retaliation, noting that severe criticisms and his termination occurred shortly after his EEOC filing. The case was allowed to proceed to trial to determine the true reason for his termination. [Source: Lightner v. Town of Ariton, AL, 902 F. Supp. 1489 (M.D. Ala. 1995)]
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