"Orlando Sanford Airport racial-discrimination settlement hits snag"

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Airport settlement hits snag
The Orlando (FL) Sentinel


SANFORD -- -A settlement agreement in a federal racial-discrimination suit
against Orlando Sanford International Airport might be in jeopardy.

Jacqueline Cockerham, a former executive assistant to airport President
Larry Dale, has filed a motion to set aside the settlement, claiming she was
under duress and was coerced into accepting it.
 
Attorneys for the airport have asked the court to deny Cockerham's request.

"Plaintiff has provided no evidence of any coercion or duress or of any
misconduct by the airport authority," a response from airport attorney
Kimberly Webb reads. "The fact that plaintiff has now changed her mind does
not constitute good cause to set aside the court's order of dismissal in
this action."

Michael Moore, Cockerham's attorney in the suit, was allowed to withdraw
from the case at a hearing Friday because he stands to receive a portion of
the $35,000 settlement and could be called as a witness.

U.S. Magistrate David Baker ordered Moore to continue to hold the disputed
$35,000 until the issue is resolved and ordered airport attorneys to respond
to additional information presented by Cockerham.

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