Kennesaw Councilman Quits in Wake of Lawsuit

A Kennesaw councilman named in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed against the city has resigned.

John Dowdy was among eight defendants named in the case, filed March 9 in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. He resigned on Monday night through a letter to the city attorney after 10 years on the council.

Dowdy's resignation is effective at the end of the month. A special election will be held to fill his seat.

The lawsuit claims city officials used and permitted racial slurs and jokes in the city's public works department and threatened and belittled minority workers. Dowdy formerly oversaw the public works department.

Mayor Mark Mathews said after the lawsuit was filed that the city doesn't tolerate any type of harassment or discrimination toward any employees.

(AP)