Cynthia L. Coleman, a 57-year-old Louisiana resident, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), alleging wrongful termination due to retaliation. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana on November 26, 2024. Coleman accuses DCFS of firing her in retaliation for previous discrimination complaints she filed against another state agency.
The narrative begins with Coleman's employment history and her allegations against DCFS. She was hired by DCFS as a Budget Administrator I on September 26, 2022, after resigning from her position at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). Her tenure at DOTD ended following a discrimination charge she filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on March 18, 2022, citing sex and race discrimination. Despite her qualifications and exemplary performance at DCFS, Coleman claims she was unjustly terminated on April 14, 2023.
Coleman asserts that her dismissal was directly linked to her protected activities under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. She had previously filed an EEOC charge and a federal complaint against DOTD in early April 2023. According to Coleman, these actions led to her termination by Dr. Eric Horent, DCFS Undersecretary and her appointing authority. She alleges that Horent had professional interactions with DOTD officials who were aware of her legal actions, which influenced his decision to terminate her without cause.
In support of her claims, Coleman points out that she received no disciplinary action during her time at DCFS and performed excellently in her role. The timing of her termination—just days after filing complaints against DOTD—suggests retaliatory motives according to Coleman’s allegations. She contends that Horent's decision-making process was influenced by his connections with DOTD officials who were implicated in her previous charges.
Coleman is seeking several forms of relief from the court. She requests declaratory judgment stating that DCFS's actions were unlawful under federal law and seeks damages including back pay, front pay or reinstatement, compensatory damages for emotional distress and other losses, as well as attorney’s fees and costs associated with bringing this action.
Represented by attorney Kevin S. Vogeltanz from The Law Office of Kevin S. Vogeltanz LLC based in Covington, LA, Cynthia L. Coleman is pursuing justice through this legal battle in case number 3:24-cv-00973-JWD-SDJ before Judge John W. deGravelles.