A woman has sued her former employer for alleged discrimination based on her gender and her pregnancy.
Stephanie Crow of Mandeville started working for Cantium in July 2019, according to the lawsuit filed in federal court.
"Ms. Crow was harassed about needing to take bathroom breaks while pregnant," the suit says. "The president of the Company, Richard Kirkland, stated, 'You have 4 children, why are you here? Shouldn't you be at home with them?"
She was denied a promotion after one executive told another, "Stephanie is unreliable because she has four children."
Crow was "continually harassed" over her decision not to be vaccinated for COVID-19, the suit alleges.
"Ms. Crow declined the COVID vaccination due to [her] history of clotting, venous disorders, and a genetically tested predisposition to blood clots, the lawsut states. "Additionally, Ms. Crow was never provided with, nor did there exist, a written policy requiring vaccination or allowing for exceptions in the case of disability reasons for non-vaccination."
Shortly after requesting forms to request a family medical leave, Crow was fired, the lawsuit states.
She seeks general damages, statutory or punitive damages, backpay, lost wages, and attorney’s fees.
Her firing was a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and other federal laws, the lawsuit alleges.
Crow is represented by Donald L. Hyatt of Hyatt Law.
Crow v. Cantium LLC, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, 2:23-cv-06442