NEW ORLEANS – A deputy director is suing her former employer alleging she was wrongfully terminated for expressing opinions on matters of public concern.
Frith Malin filed a complaint on Nov. 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against Orleans Parish Communications District alleging violation of the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on July 29, she was terminated from her employment with the defendant after sending an email expressing her opinion on the CEO of a foundation. She alleges this email was a statement of hers made as a private citizen, not as a part of her official duties with the defendant. She alleges the termination caused her to suffer economic damages, emotional distress, humiliation and a damaged reputation.
The plaintiff holds Orleans Parish Communications District responsible because the defendant allegedly violated her right to free speech and failed to adequately address previous complaints she had made regarding the sexually hostile work environment created by another employee.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in her favor for all damages she sustained, plus interest, attorney's fees, costs and other equitable relief she may be entitled. She is represented by Lisa Brener of Brener Law Firm LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-16465