A former employee has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliation by her previous employer, Louisiana Tech University. Rebecca Kaase submitted the complaint on November 15, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against the University of Louisiana System Board of Regents and Police Chief Randal Hermes.
Rebecca Kaase began her employment with the Louisiana Tech University Police Department on May 24, 2023, but was terminated less than a year later on January 4, 2024. She claims that her termination was unjust and rooted in discriminatory practices. According to Kaase, prior to starting her job, Assistant Chief Bill Davis assured her she would remain on day shifts. However, three months into her employment, she was asked to switch to night shifts. On November 20, 2023, Kaase wrote to Chief Randal Hermes requesting accommodations due to her diabetes management needs and caregiver responsibilities. Her request was denied on November 29, which she argues is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In response to this denial, Kaase contacted Louisiana Tech University's Human Resources department and spoke with Winter Collier. Collier suggested that Kaase could transfer to another position within the university when one became available that matched her pay grade. Despite this option being presented, Kaase expressed dissatisfaction with how younger female employees were treated differently compared to herself. She alleges that Chief Hermes violated both the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and specific policies of the University of Louisiana System by favoring these younger employees.
Kaase's complaint also highlights instances where she felt overlooked and ridiculed by Chief Hermes and Assistant Chief Davis despite having more experience than other officers or dispatchers at the department. These actions led her to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on December 31, 2023.
In seeking justice through a jury trial, Rebecca Kaase is asking for several forms of relief from the court. She demands compensation for lost wages covering specific pay periods in early 2024 and requests contributions be made into her retirement account equivalent to what would have been deposited during those periods. Additionally, she seeks $250,000 each for pain and suffering as well as violations related to ADA non-compliance and retaliation under age discrimination laws.
The case has been assigned Case ID: 3:24-cv-01573 but does not list any attorneys or judges involved at this stage.