20 | FEBRUARY 6 • 2020
Jews in the D
continued from page 18
iating yet disturbing false report
of the Adlers’
body odor to the
press and public.
”
The Adlers asserted that
American Airlines “intention-
ally discriminated” against their
family which resulted in the
family “being pressured to see
their race and religion as infe-
rior to that of whites, dirty and
unwelcome.
”
The lawsuit further states that
American Airlines acted neg-
ligently by lying to the Adlers
about an emergency to deplane,
failing to provide a safe travel
environment and failing to
“treat a Jew, Orthodox Jew, the
same way as [the] white speak-
ing pilot and other passengers.
”
Nwogu, the Adlers’
attorney,
could not be reached for com-
ment.
In a statement to the Jewish
News, American Airlines said:
“The Adler family was asked
to deplane after multiple pas-
sengers and our crew members
complained about Mr. Adler’
s
body odor. The decision was
made out of concern for the
comfort of our other passengers.
Our team members took care of
the family and provided hotel
accommodations and meals and
rebooked them on a flight to
Detroit the next morning. None
of the decisions made by our
team in handling this sensitive
situation were based on the
Adlers’
religion.
”
The Adlers are seeking com-
pensatory damages including
damages for emotional distress,
punitive damages and attorney
fees.
GVSU Offensive Coordinator Resigns
Following Hitler Comment
Grand Valley State University’
s
football Offensive Coordinator
Morris Berger resigned Jan.
30 following an interview with
the student newspaper where
he referenced Adolf Hitler as
“a great leader.”
Berger was hired by the
football team Jan. 20 and
immediately came under fire
after his Q & A session was
published in the Lanthorn Jan.
23. He was suspended Jan. 27.
He was asked to pick three
historical figures, outside of
sports, with whom he would
like to have dinner with,
and answered with Adolf
Hitler, John F. Kennedy and
Christopher Columbus.
“It was obviously very
sad, and he [Hitler] had bad
motives, but the way he was
able to lead was second-to-
none,” Berger told the student
paper at the time as explana-
tion for his choice.
A statement released by
GVSU said Berger and the
university “reached a mutual
agreement regarding his posi-
tion, and his resignation is
effective immediately.”
“Over the last 11 years I
have taken great pride in the
responsibility and privilege of
being a teacher, coach, men-
tor and a valued member of
the community,” Berger said.
“However, I do not want to
be a distraction to these kids,
this great university or Coach
[Matt] Mitchell as they begin
preparations for the upcoming
season.”
GVSU’
s head coach Matt
Mitchell agreed that Berger’
s
resignation is in the best inter-
ests of the team and the uni-
versity.
CORRIE COLF
STAFF WRITER
NEW LUXURY
RANCH HOMES IN
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
ROBERTSONHOMES.COM
(248) 963-8913
Lahser Rd, South of Square Lake
FURNISHED MODEL OPEN DAILY