It is common knowledge that discrimination in any form is wrong and can have lasting and negative impacts on a person’s life. When discrimination happens in the workplace, the effects can be especially traumatizing. Fortunately, there are laws in the state of California and across the country to protect employees from facing discrimination in the workplace. Despite these laws, discrimination still occurs. A lawsuit was filed in another state after an employee was allegedly discriminated against and fired.
The plaintiff worked as the safety supervisor of a school district and, according to the lawsuit, was fired for his views about the black lives matter movement. The lawsuit claims the plaintiff was placed on paid suspension for, according to his employer, physically guiding a student onto a bus. The man claims he was later fired. The plaintiff claims that he was suspended and fired not because of the alleged physical interaction with the student, but because of an opinionated column that he wrote for a local newspaper.
The alleged column spoke out against the Black Lives Matter movement. The plaintiff, who is Caucasian, claims that his employer fired him because of his viewpoints and skin color. He alleges that there were two African-American employees that physically assaulted students but were not fired. He also claims his employer only interviewed African-American candidates to replace him. The plaintiff accuses his former employer of discrimination and violating his right to free speech.
Although significant social advancements have been made, discrimination is surprisingly still prevalent in today’s society. California residents who have been a victim of discrimination while at work could greatly benefit by seeking the services of a knowledgeable employment law attorney. A successfully litigated lawsuit could result in financial relief as well as a sense of justice.
Source: journalgazette.net, “Fired FWCS employee sues for discrimination”, Ashley Sloboda, Oct. 24, 2017