The case stemmed from a physical assault and violent graphic emails sent to me that mocked me an autistic and depicted how this local union leader wanted me to die. This happened after I exposed former Pittsburgh NewsGuild President Michael Fuoco, whom the New York Times labeled “the Harvey Weinstein of Pittsburgh.”
This settlement is a big victory for neurodiversity and disabled rights. On a personal level, I can’t remember a time when I felt so happy! It’s been a long fight, and after 3 years, it is finally over!
I want to praise newly elected CWA President Claude Cummings for stepping in to resolve this matter. As the first Black president of CWA, he is committed to creating an inclusive atmosphere not just for people of color but for women, immigrants, and even autistics like me. Diversity matters in union leadership, and Claude Cummings has shown a real commitment to changing CWA.
My lawsuit wasn’t about making money for me, but making the labor movement more inclusive. Therefore, I have decided to donate the entire settlement to Casa San Jose, an immigrant resources center in Pittsburgh. Together, Payday Report and Casa San Jose will use the money to train young Latinos to cover the stories happening in Pittsburgh’s growing Latino community.
I want to thank the readers of Payday Report, who stood by us throughout this three-year legal battle. I especially want to thank Clarissa León, whose leadership as an editor helped me so much during this period.
Latino reporters matter not just for covering Latino issues but also for encouraging diversity in the newsroom, including neurodiversity. This is why I’m so excited to turn something so negative into a positive by donating my settlement to create a fund to help young Latino journalists in Pittsburgh.
To celebrate the settlement, I am throwing a party at Murphy’s Taproom in Regent Square, the neighborhood where I grew up in Pittsburgh, starting around 7 this coming Saturday December 9th. Hope yinz all come down.
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