In a significant legal filing, an employee has accused her employer of fostering a hostile work environment and engaging in discriminatory practices. Keshaune Sutton filed a complaint against Ports America Louisiana, L.L.C. on October 22, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The complaint alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, among other claims.
Keshaune Sutton, an African American female residing in New Orleans, began working for Ports America Louisiana (PA) as a Clerk in August 2022. She claims that during her tenure, she faced a hostile work environment characterized by sexual harassment and discrimination based on her race and gender. According to the complaint, Sutton was subjected to inappropriate behavior by a coworker named Nelson Costello on November 22, 2023. Costello allegedly made obscene gestures and comments towards Sutton during a conversation with another colleague. Despite reporting the incident to management, including Manager Steve Cable and Warehouse Manager Sal Caldera, no substantial action was taken against Costello.
Sutton's complaint details how female employees at PA are systematically retaliated against when they report misconduct or discrimination. She notes that after raising concerns about harassment and filing complaints with her union and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), her scheduled shifts were drastically reduced. In contrast, Costello continued to receive regular work assignments despite his alleged history of harassment.
The lawsuit accuses PA of not only failing to provide a safe working environment but also engaging in intentional sex and racial discrimination by favoring Caucasian employees over African American employees like Sutton. It highlights disparities in job assignments and promotions between Caucasian and African American staff members at PA.
Sutton is seeking various forms of relief from the court, including back pay, front pay, punitive damages for emotional distress and humiliation caused by PA's actions, as well as compensation for lost job benefits due to unlawful conduct by the defendant. Additionally, she requests injunctive relief to prevent further discriminatory practices within the company.
Representing Sutton are attorneys Christopher A. Minias and Karl White from The Minias Law Firm based in New Orleans. The case has been assigned Civil Action No. 2:24-cv-02523 under Judge [Name Not Provided].