Radiology resident will appeal judge’s decision to reverse $2.75M racial discrimination ruling
A radiology resident whose more than $2 million award was recently reversed said he plans to appeal the judge’s determination that his firing was not racially motivated.
Late last month, a six-person jury ruled that Baiywo Rop, MD, was terminated from his residency position at Florida-based AdventHealth for racial reasons, entitling him to $2.75 million, the Orlando Sentinel first reported.
But on May 28, Florida Circuit Judge Kevin Weiss changed that determination, saying Rop didn’t present reasonable evidence that his race played a factor, adding AdventHealth offered up “legitimate, non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory reasons” for firing the early-career rad.
Jerry Girly, Rop’s attorney, now says there was plenty of evidence, and ordered transcripts from the trial for the public to view. He said the judge “disregarded” the will of the jurors who looked over the evidence, the Florida newspaper reported June 4.
An AdventHealth representative said the hospital respects the judge’s ruling and stands by the facts presented during the trial.
“Do Black people really get any fair share in this legal system?” Rop was quoted as asking by the Sentinel. “Even when you win you still lose.”
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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.