According to reports, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has agreed to a settlement that would put a recent discrimination lawsuit behind it.
The agency had been sued by a former employee, who claimed he has been racially discriminated during his tenure. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff states he filed numerous complaints to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding his supervisors. The worker believes he has been denied promotions and transfers and has been punished via suspension because of his race.
As a result, the plaintiff sued the agency for the emotional pain and suffering caused by the alleged discrimination, which he felt was “in retaliation for his complaining about and refusing to engage in employment practices unfairly predicated upon religion, whistle-blowing and race,” according to the suit.
The plaintiff had originally sued the agency for $345,000 in punitive damages, lost wages and compensation. However, as part of the settlement, FEMA will pay the worker $28,500.
The case highlights the importance of companies avoiding discriminatory actions at all, even if they are not intentional. Any perceived slights can result in professional liability lawsuits, which can be expensive and damaging to a reputation.
