Shelby Webb Cox has filed a lawsuit against her former employer, Mignon Faget, Ltd., in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case, identified as 2:24-cv-01068-LMA-MBN, was filed on April 26, 2024. The plaintiff alleges that she was unjustly terminated due to her pregnancy and is seeking damages under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Cox was employed by Mignon Faget, Ltd., a New Orleans-based jewelry company, from October 2017 until her termination in February 2023. She held various positions within the company including Sales Professional, Gallery Manager, and Web Manager. Cox alleges that despite meeting or exceeding performance expectations throughout her employment, she was dismissed shortly after informing her supervisor about her pregnancy and need for maternity leave.
The plaintiff claims that she had informed her supervisor about her pregnancy in October 2022 and had made inquiries regarding leave policies. Despite receiving praise for her work during the holiday season in December 2022 and January 2023, Cox's employment was abruptly terminated on February 16, 2023. She alleges that this termination occurred immediately after she requested forms to apply for Family Medical Leave.
Cox is seeking a jury trial and damages under federal and state laws protecting against discriminatory employment practices. Her complaint includes allegations of violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition to these federal laws, Cox also asserts a claim under Louisiana Employment Discrimination Laws (LEDL).