Racial bias incident results in fine

Thursday, Aug. 19, 1999 | 10:51 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- One of Donald Trump's casinos has been fined $50,000 by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission in connection with a 1995 racial bias incident.

The Press of Atlantic City reported that Trump Marina acceded to a Maryland high roller's request that he not have a black driver for his limousine ride from Maryland to New Jersey. Upon receiving his request, staff members of the casino's marketing department faxed a slip to a limousine service stating, "no black driver."

"This case is a rank case of discrimination," J.P. Suarez, director of the division of gaming enforcement, told the Press. "The two individuals used more than improper judgment."

Joseph Fusco, executive vice president of goverment relations and regulatory affairs for Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc., responded that the employees were merely trying to avoid giving the customer a driver he'd had a bad experience with in the past and that the request was "misstated in shorthand."

The employee who sent the note was fired for the incident, Fusco said.

In addition to the fine, Trump Marina will also be required to conduct a remedial training program for its employees promoting diversity and raising awareness of New Jersey's discrimination laws.