The Rapid City Regional Hospital in South Dakota. Photo from City-Data
A federal civil rights trial opened today in the case of Vernon Traversie, a blind member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe whose surgical scars resemble the letters "KKK." Traversie, 71, underwent emergency surgery at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in South Dakota in August 2011. He believes the scars were intentionally inflicted on him because of his race. The hospital and the state have denied wrongdoing. They say the scars resulted from a reaction to medical grade tape. Traversie was the first witness today, KEVN reported. The station said the trial could last two weeks. Get the Story:
Traversie trial begins in federal court (KEVN 3/24)
Civil Trial Begins in Rapid City in Surgery Scar Lawsuit (AP 3/24)
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