Christian Coalition Settles Racial Discrimination Lawsuit

In early 2002, The Christian Coalition settled a racial discrimination lawsuit. A federal court sealed terms of the lawsuit settlement, but The Washington Times reported Jan. 3 that "sources involved in the negotiations" said the African-American employees who brought the suit will receive $325,000 and in return agree not to talk about the case publicly.

Twelve black employees sued the Coalition last February, charging a pattern of racial discrimination at the organization's headquarters in Washington, D.C. The workers said they were told to use the back door, excluded from weekly prayer meetings, denied health care, overtime pay, and made to eat lunch in a segregated, substandard facility it has been reported.

This was a very powerful social and political group during the years when President Clinton was in office. It has also been reported that the organization has lost much of its power over the years.