A Pennsylvania State Police corporal who spent more than a decade on the governor’s security detail is suing the agency in federal court, alleging he was removed from the high-profile assignment because he is white.
Cpl. Joshua Mack, who joined the state police in 2004, claims his reassignment earlier this year stemmed from an effort by supervisors to increase minority representation on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s protection team. Mack had been part of the detail since 2011, serving under four governors and becoming its longest-tenured member.
According to the lawsuit, filed Nov. 25, Mack says he had heard superiors discuss the “need” for “more minorities” on the team before he lost his position on March 25. He contends the decision was unrelated to his performance, noting that supervisors told him the move was due only to administrative changes and that he continued to receive strong evaluations.
His removal meant significant financial and professional consequences, the suit states. Mack lost access to a state vehicle, was reassigned farther from his home, and returned to routine patrol work after years in protective service. He also lost substantial overtime opportunities that had long been part of the governor’s detail, which he estimates totaled more than $50,000 annually and could affect his long-term pension.
Mack alleges he was replaced by two non-white troopers whom he describes as less experienced in dignitary protection. He is seeking damages for lost wages and benefits, harm to his professional reputation, and emotional distress. The lawsuit names the Pennsylvania State Police, Cpl. John Nicholson, and Lt. Col. George Bivens as defendants. Gov. Shapiro is not named in the claim.
Before filing the suit, Mack submitted a discrimination complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a required step for federal employment claims.
Source: Phila Inquirer