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SETTLEMENT ENDS ALABAMA TAX ASSESSOR’S DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NONENGLISH SPEAKERS
A few months ago we told our readers about a lawsuit brought by three immigrants in Alabama against a local tax assessor who refused to give proper tax credits to homeowners who did not speak English (http://www.visalaw.com/99jun/32jun99.html). He maintained that they should learn to speak English, and used his position to deny them benefits to which they were legally entitled. A settlement has now been reached in the case, and the assessor’s office will repay the three plaintiffs the money they overpaid in taxes.
Under the settlement, the assessor, 83 year-old Wayland Cooley also agreed to allow interpreters for those homeowners who do not speak English very well. Previously he had not allowed interpreters, saying he could not be sure whether they would provide accurate translations. By settling Cooley avoided admitting any liability in the matter.
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