A former employee has taken legal action against a university, alleging racial discrimination and wage disparity. Shanette Washington filed a complaint on November 16, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). The lawsuit claims that ULM violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981 by engaging in discriminatory practices based on race.
Shanette Washington, an African American woman who had been employed by ULM since 2003, alleges that she faced systematic racial discrimination throughout her tenure. Starting as a Graphic Designer and later becoming a Graphic Design Coordinator and Adjunct Professor, Washington claims she was consistently denied promotions and salary increases despite her qualifications and experience. According to the complaint, Washington's requests for advancement were repeatedly denied by various department heads, all Caucasian, citing budget constraints or administrative decisions. In contrast, less qualified Caucasian colleagues received promotions and pay raises.
The complaint details several instances where African American employees in the Marketing and Communications Department were replaced by Caucasian individuals who received higher salaries. For example, after the termination of Terrance Armstard and Kiwanna Sutton in 2014 and 2015 respectively, their positions were filled by Caucasian employees Emerald McIntyre and Brice Jones. Washington also highlights her own experiences with alleged harassment from Creative Director Srdjan Marjanovic, who reportedly criticized her work unjustly and humiliated her during meetings.
Washington asserts that these actions are part of a broader pattern of racial discrimination within ULM's Marketing and Communications Department. She argues that her termination in May 2023 was racially motivated as she was given an ultimatum to resign or be terminated shortly before being replaced by a Caucasian individual.
In response to these allegations, Washington seeks various forms of relief from the court. She is asking for back pay, front pay, liquidated damages, punitive damages, compensatory damages for emotional distress, attorney fees, costs associated with the lawsuit, pre-judgment interest on unpaid wages from when they were due until paid in full at trial or settlement if applicable under law; post-judgment interest as provided by law; injunctive relief requiring ULM to implement policies preventing future discrimination; any other relief deemed just or equitable.
Representing Shanette Washington is attorney Christopher A. Minias from The Minias Law Firm based in New Orleans. The case is being presided over under Case ID: 3:24-cv-01577 in the Western District of Louisiana.