NEW ORLEANS -- Patrick Hairston filed a lawsuit on Oct. 9 in Orleans Parish District Court against the Sun Belt Conference, Inc. for breach of contract, race discrimination, violation of Louisiana unfair trade practices and failure to pay vacation time.
According to the complaint, Hairston was fired on April 30, 2020, by the Sun Belt and was told his position was "shut down" due to the COVID-19 pandemic and budget cuts. Hairston alleges suspecting that his termination was due to a toxic workplace that included racial discrimination against him due to his race being African American.
Prior to his termination, Hairston held the position of associate commissioner and chief compliance 0fficer. Hairston alleges that prior to his termination, he received exemplary performance reviews from former Commissioner Karl Benson.
After Benson's tenure was done, Keith Gill took the commissioner position and Kathy Keene remained deputy commissioner. Hairston alleges that after Gill and Keene's takeover, Keene began firing minority employees hired by Benson and favored white employees she had recommended for hire.
Hairston alleges that during a Zoom meeting, Keene presented compliance information that was Hairston's area of expertise, and when asked why she was doing his job, Keene alleged that Gill was not happy with Hairston's performance. Hairston alleges that his termination was in retaliation to voicing his concerns as his work became increasingly scrutinized and micromanaged by Keene.
Hairston seeks 90 days of wages at a rate of $263.01 per day, vacation pay, penalties, cost of suit and attorney fees. Hairston is represented by Mark F. Montiel.
The Sun Belt has removed the case to New Orleans federal court.